INSIDE: Seeing Green I A Bundle of Joy I Meet the New Troop FALL 2023 • ISSUE 71 Standing TALL
2 There’s a whole lot of new faces at the Detroit Zoo. It’s been an exciting time at the Detroit Zoological Society — not only have we been celebrating our 95th anniversary and excitedly welcoming back school groups to the Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center, but our staff has also been incredibly busy over the last few months welcoming new animals to the Zoo family. In the pages of this magazine, you’ll meet a giraffe calf who got an incredible start to life and a chimpanzee baby who is the pride and joy of his troop. You’ll also get an update on Max, a king penguin chick we introduced you to last year, and get to know the gorillas who have taken over the Great Apes of Harambee habitat. I can’t wait for you to read all about them — and see them during your next Zoo visit! Best, Dr. Hayley Murphy, DVM Executive Director/CEO Printed in the USA. Habitat is produced quarterly for members of the Detroit Zoological Society. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ArborOakland Group CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sarah Culton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Ross CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jennifer Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGN Jen Valente Copyright © 2023 Detroit Zoological Society All rights reserved. PLEASE CONTACT: Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road | Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 541-5717 | Fax: (248) 541-2489 www.detroitzoo.org For questions about membership, please contact: info@dzs.org The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. facebook.com/detroitzoo instagram.com/detroitzoo Linkedin.com/ detroitzoologicalsociety tiktok.com/@detroitzoo twitter.com/detroitzoo youtube.com/detroitzoo HABITAT Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places The Magazine of the Detroit Zoological Society In this issue 3 Sunset at the Zoo 2023 4 Standing Tall 8 Events 10 A Bundle of Joy 12 All Grown Up 14 A Great Goodbye 16 Meet the New Troop 17 Learning Through Camping 18 Seeing Green 19 Diversity and Community
Sunset at the Zoo 2023 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES ACROSS THE GLOBE. On June 23, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) hosted its annual Sunset at the Zoo fundraiser, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions and chaired by Kelly and Clifford Houseman. During this event, guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks, live music, a silent auction, dancing and much more. Sunset at the Zoo is more than just a fun-filled evening at the wildest place in town. This year’s event raised critical support for our worldwide conservation efforts, which protect wild animals and their habitats. From red pandas in Nepal to the piping plovers along the shores of the Great Lakes, these conservation programs protect wildlife on all seven continents. Thank you to all the incredibly generous sponsors, restaurants, distributors and individuals who donated their time, talents and resources to make this year’s Sunset at the Zoo a success. You make the mission possible. Save the date for the next Sunset at the Zoo, coming June 21, 2024. A SUCCESS 3
4
5 TALL Standing
6 A tiny hoof takes a cautious step onto a patch of green grass. Juhudi, the youngest giraffe calf at the Detroit Zoo, puts one hoof in front of another, seeking his mother’s approval as he moves further into an open yard. At 7 feet tall, the 3-month-old male still has to crane his neck to meet his mother’s gaze, but once he sees she has no fear, it isn’t long before Juhudi is running, playing and exploring his new surroundings. Watching him take his first few steps into his outdoor habitat at the Detroit Zoo on a sunny August morning, one would never know the challenges the young calf faced early in life. In the hours after Juhudi’s May 31 birth to 5-yearold female Zara and 15-year-old male Jabari, the calf had difficulty nursing, requiring round-theclock care, staff intervention and tube feeding. “He had a rough start, but with a lot of hard work, he made it through,” says Betsie Meister, associate curator of mammals. “We are so glad this story had a happy ending.” On the day of the birth, Zara had an easy delivery, and Juhudi appeared strong and healthy. However, the newborn was slightly underweight and had difficulty finding the right spot to latch, attempting to nurse from Zara’s legs and shoulders. When he eventually found Zara’s udders, the act of nursing appeared to make Zara uncomfortable, and staff observed her pulling away from her calf or pushing him from her when he attempted to nurse. As a result, the calf did not receive colostrum — the first milk from his mother containing needed proteins to fight infection — during his first 12 hours of life. “Juhudi was definitely trying to nurse, but we weren’t seeing any signs that he was successful,” says Stephanie Ramusivich, mammal care staff. “Without that, he is susceptible to infections, dust, dirt, anything really.” “Colostrum is how antibodies transfer from mom to baby and how they get their immune systems going,” Meister says. “Babies are basically naked and unprotected without that first nursing session. Juhudi looked a little soft, a little small, and we weren’t confident he was receiving colostrum, so we decided to step in and catch him up.” At this point, the animal care and veterinary teams intervened, providing 24/7 observation and care to Zara and her calf in their indoor habitat. Staff spent long days and nights near the two, doing everything possible to ensure a good outcome for Zara and Juhudi. “We were all very nervous and scared for Juhudi
7 because we know not only how important it is for him to receive those nutrients, but also how important mother-calf bonding is,” Meister says. “Though Zara was a dedicated and protective mom throughout this process, she is a first-time mom, and we didn’t know if she knew what she was doing — or if Juhudi knew what he was doing. This was a huge learning process for both of them.” The life sciences team consulted experts from Associations of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organizations around the country to explore ways to help Juhudi make it through this vital early stage of his life. To boost his immune system, the veterinary staff tube-fed bovine colostrum. They also gave a transfusion of plasma containing high concentrations of the proteins that help fight infection. The team separated the mother and calf for short periods to weigh Juhudi, provide this care and draw blood to monitor the success of these treatments and his overall health. The veterinary team also gave Zara pain medication to make nursing more comfortable. Very quickly, the care team noticed a change in both calf and mom. Juhudi became stronger each day and became more persistent in his nursing efforts. Zara made herself available for nursing and got into the proper nursing position for her calf when he approached. Before long, Juhudi began gaining weight and hitting important developmental milestones. “We were on pins and needles waiting to see if the treatments would work,” Ramusivich says. “It was a lot on everyone involved, but it was worth it to see where Juhudi is now.” It is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our animal care and veterinary teams that this story has such a happy ending. To recognize the team’s hard work, the calf was named Juhudi, meaning effort, hard work and enthusiasm in Swahili. The name was chosen by longtime Detroit Zoo supporters Cynthia and Edsel Ford “to honor the enormous effort on the part of the staff to bring this dear fellow along.” Today, Juhudi is a healthy and curious young giraffe. He spent the first few months of his life with his mom in a separate indoor and outdoor area of the giraffe habitat, but he is now beginning to explore the big yard and meet fellow giraffes Kivuli, Mpenzi and Jabari. “He’s super strong,” Meister says. “He stole our hearts right from the beginning. You always root for the little engine that could, and we can’t wait to see how he grows up.” Want to support Juhudi’s ongoing care? Donate to help young ones like him grow up strong by visiting dzoo.org/yearend2023 or scan the QR code below. It is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our animal care and veterinary teams that this story has such a happy ending.
8 WILD LIGHTS | Select nights in November, December and January Get ready for a winter wonderland at the wildest place in town with Wild Lights, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions. Wild Lights features millions of twinkling lights illuminating masterfully designed light displays. Guests will also enjoy festive vignettes and seasonal treats. Wild Lights is also sponsored by Kroger, Michigan First Credit Union, DTE, Suburban Subaru of Troy and KeyBank. POLAR BEERS | Dec. 7 Polar Beers, presented by KeyBank, is back! Enjoy the dazzling sights of Wild Lights while sipping on the finest selection of local brews. Polar Beers 2023 will feature a new variety of beer, seltzer and cider selections, as well as new live entertainment and activities. Step into the Detroit Zoo’s winter wonderland and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. All attendees must be 21 or older. Polar Beers is also sponsored by Griffin Claw Brewing Company. EVENTSat the Zoo SENIOR DAY | Sept. 13 Calling the young at heart! Tri-county seniors 62 and older and one adult guest receive free admission and parking on Senior Day. Senior citizens residing in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to enjoy a special day at the Detroit Zoo. Senior Day is presented by Blue Care Network. ZOO BOO | Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 20-22 Join us for our annual merry-not-scary event! For three weekends in October, guests will be able explore trick-or-treating stations throughout the Zoo, experience festive pumpkin displays, observe strolling entertainment from jugglers to magicians and capture memories while visiting each of the trick-or-treating spots in the Zoo. Zoo Boo is presented by Corewell Health. This event is also sponsored by Meijer, Blue Care Network and DTE. SPOOKY SPIRITS | Oct. 13 Grab your cauldrons and costumes. It’s time for Spooky Spirits, presented by Key Bank! Spooky Spirits is one of the Detroit Zoo’s newest 21-plus after-hours events to celebrate Halloween! This event will add fright to your night, and guests are encouraged to sport their most creative costumes. Guests will also enjoy bone-chilling entertainment, specialty drinks, fun games and activities, themed photo opportunities and much more. Don’t miss this haunted party! Spooky Spirits is also sponsored by Griffin Claw Brewing Company. SCAN FOR EVENTS
9
A Bundle of JOY 10
11 Good things come in small packages — at least, that’s the case for the newest member of the chimpanzee troop at the Detroit Zoo. Tai, a chimpanzee who calls the Detroit Zoo’s Great Apes of Harambee habitat home, was born May 26 to first-time mom Tanya, 32. Named for West Africa’s Taï National Park, this newborn has been experiencing all areas of his habitat since his birth — Tanya carries him from the tops of the trees to the edge of the pool. “Tanya is a great mother,” says Melissa Thueme, primate supervisor for the Detroit Zoological Society. “Initially, she was very protective. She wouldn’t let us, or the other chimps, get more than a glance at him. She’s much more relaxed now, but she still always keeps an eye or a hand on him.” The fact that Tanya is an excellent mom wasn’t a surprise to her care team. Over her lifetime, Tanya has learned from other great chimp parents, including her own mother, Trixi, 53. In addition to raising Tanya, Trixi also stepped up as a surrogate mother to Zane, a young chimp born in 2020. Tanya often helps her mother care for Zane and is a dedicated babysitter to the troop’s other young chimps. Having known Tanya would take so well to motherhood, Thueme says she couldn’t be happier that Tanya now has a little one to call her own. “This is something we’ve wanted for Tanya for a long time, and she is a very attentive mom,” Thueme says. “A baby brings a whole new dynamic to the troop and elevates Tanya’s status a little bit because every chimp wants to be around her and see the baby. It’s also really exciting and rewarding for our staff to see a baby grow up and hit milestones. It brings a new kind of joy to every day.” While it’s still too early to know what Tai’s personality will be like, Thueme says she can’t wait to watch the baby chimp grow and develop — under his mother’s watchful eye, of course. “I’m really looking forward to Tai and Zane playing and growing up together,” she says. “Tai’s got a lot of great role models to look up to, and I know he will be a valuable member of the troop.” DETROIT ZOO WELCOMES BABY CHIMPANZEE
12 All GROWN UP BY TONY ZICK, GRANTS COORDINATOR
13 One of the highlights of the past year for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is the story of Maximillian the king penguin chick who, while still in his unhatched egg, was transferred nearly 300 miles from the Cincinnati Zoo to the Detroit Zoo. Max’s story shines a light on a partnership between two leading Midwest zoos as well as the talent and dedication of the DZS’s bird and veterinary care teams. Many in our community were inspired by Maximillian’s penguin foster parents, who incubated and raised him in a behind-the-scenes holding area at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. A year later, the DZS is proud to announce that Max is all grown up and has joined the rest of the penguin colony. His downy chick feathers have been replaced with waterproof king penguin plumage. In addition, he is eating the food provided by the bird care staff (instead of from his foster parents), and he has started to swim. Maximillian’s personality has also emerged. “Max has become a completely different bird since joining the rest of the colony,” remarks Lindsay Ireland, bird care staff. “While in the holding area, he was fearful and timid around animal care staff. Now that he is out in the habitat, Max has become more interactive with us.” With the fall season upon us, now is a great time to start considering your year-end giving priorities. The DZS is grateful for the donors who contribute to the daily care of Max and all the more than 2,000 animals who call the Zoo home. Your thoughtful gift of any amount will continue to support their well-being. To make a gift, please visit detroitzoo.org/support/ give or contact Andrea Richards at (248) 336-5729. BELOVED KING PENGUIN CHICK FLEDGES
14 GOODBYE A Great ZOO BIDS FOND FAREWELL TO GORILLA BROTHERS The Detroit Zoo recently said goodbye to a beloved bachelor group of gorillas who called the Zoo home for two decades. Half-brothers Chipua “Chip,” Pendeka “Pende” and Kongo-Mbeli “Kongo” moved to the Cincinnati Zoo this summer. The move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative management program ensuring the sustainability of healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied populations of animals in human care. “This was not an easy goodbye,” says Aaron Jesue, mammal care staff for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). “We miss them so much, but we know they are
15 receiving great care in their new home, where they continue to live together.” Animal care staff, like Jesue, grew to know the half-brothers quite well over the years. Jesue describes Chip as “tough, quiet and very serious,” Kongo as “a very-laid back leader,” and Pende as having “a goofy personality” and loving to walk on his hind legs. The three gorillas called the Detroit Zoo home from 2003 to 2023, and they are one of the longest-running successful bachelor groups in the Gorilla SSP’s history. These types of bachelor groups, which occur both in the wild and in zoos, are vital to male gorillas who need a home outside of a traditional family group. “For the past 20 years, the DZS has not only provided a home for Chip, Kongo and Pende, but by taking in a bachelor group, we also helped facilitate the Gorilla SSP by making space for other zoos to grow family groups and ensure the growth and stability of the gorilla population within the SSP,” Jesue says. Now that the brothers have moved to their new home, the DZS will continue to work with the Gorilla SSP and aid in other ways, including welcoming a new gorilla group featuring one male and three females. We miss them so much, but we know they are receiving great care in their new home, where they continue to live together.
16 Four new gorillas moved to the Detroit Zoo in August 2023. Three — Mshindi, Tulivu and Bandia — arrived from the Cincinnati Zoo, where they had lived together in a troop since 2019. The fourth, Nayembi, moved from Lincoln Park Zoo. All four were recommended to move to the Detroit Zoo by the Gorilla SSP. Meet THE NEW TROOP MSHINIDI Mshindi means “winner” in Swahili. This silverback male was born Oct. 17, 1987, and his caretakers report that he is a slow eater, always letting the female gorillas eat what they want first. He is sensitive to the weather and enjoys playing with female Tulivu. TULIVU Tulivu means “quiet” in Swahili — though her animal care team affectionately says this gorilla loves to make cheerful vocalizations. Tulivu was born May 2, 2004. She can be identified by her round face. The animal care team reports she is energetic and silly. She loves to interact with her caretakers and play with Mshindi. BANDIA Bandia — a female gorilla — was born Sept. 13, 1997. She was the dominant female at the Cincinnati Zoo — though Tulivu challenges her for the role. Bandia tends to be quiet and subdued. NAYEMBI Nayembi, a female gorilla whose name means “to sing” in the Lingala language, was born on Nov. 16, 2012. When she was an infant, Nayembi sustained a facial injury that required emergency surgery. After five months of round-the-clock care, she was successfully reintroduced to her family group, and her care team reports she has done very well ever since. Today, Nayembi is a healthy 10-year-old gorilla who loves to play, eat and cause mischief.
17 BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR CAMPING TRIP, INTERNS COLLABORATE TO BUILD FAMILIARITY WITH HOW TO SET UP AND TAKE DOWN THEIR INDIVIDUAL TENTS. Each summer, teens across Detroit are hired into the Environmental Stewardship Internship program (ESI) at the Belle Isle Nature Center. Thanks to generous funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other contributors, this paid internship provides skill-building, certifications and exposure to careers in natural resources and outdoor recreation. One of the most impactful aspects of ESI programming is when the teens plan and organize an overnight camping trip, which, for some, is their first ever. ESI is intentionally designed to provide skills that will impact the camping trip as well as give teens an edge in the job market. To prepare for the trip, interns were invited for swimming lessons hosted by Huron Clinton MetroParks and attended a weekly cooking program with Michigan State University Extension. The Detroit Outdoors’ camp gear lending program also provided free access to tents, sleeping bags and portable cooking equipment. The camping trip took the interns to the shores of Lake Michigan at Muskegon State Park on the coast of Lake Michigan. Initially hesitant upon arrival, the interns eventually gained confidence and started having fun after helping each other set up tents and prepare for dinner. After dinner, some initiated a compliment circle and created friendship bracelets, while others ended up on a nighttime hike and did some stargazing. Some of the highlights include the interns swimming at the beach, making sand angels and hiking up dunes. When it was time to head to bed in their tents, the sounds of night took over, with owl calls and coyote howls that made for BY MICAH BLAKE-SMITH, EDUCATION SPECIALIST LEARNING Through Camping some interesting chats over a campire breakfast the following morning. This year’s camping experience was a resounding success — just ask our interns! 18-year-old Le’Andre Denard sums it up perfectly. “Going camping for the first time was definitely a fantastic experience,” he says. “I experienced wonderful team building activities and learned essential camping skills. I can’t wait to go camping again.” INTERNS LE’ANDRE, CHARITY AND RUBEN SHOW OFF THEIR FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS CREATED ON THE TRIP.
18 The DZS is rewarding students who are making their schools — and the world — greener with GreenPrize. The GreenPrize Award Program is a sustainability program that encourages student-led green programs and “Green Teams” — clubs focused on environmental sustainability — in schools. GreenPrize applicants developed and implemented a sustainable project in their school or community that could impact lasting change. The program was initiated in 2022, and a total of $4,500 in prize money was distributed among Green Teams at participating schools in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Schools awarded included Belleville High School (Belleville), Hillel Day School (Farmington Hills), The Montessori School Rochester (Rochester), Hayes Elementary School (Westland), Sacred Heart Catholic School (Dearborn) and Renaissance High School (Detroit). “This program is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmentalists,” says Andy McDowell, sustainability manager. “These kids came up with some great projects that will have a real impact. As GreenPrize grows, I know it will help us create positive change for animals and nature.” Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the next round! Applications for the 2023-2024 GreenPrize program are open. Learn more at detroitzoo.org/greenprize. Seeing Green AWARD PROGRAM INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION
19 Diversity is the cornerstone of a successful institution. It brings perspectives and ideas that sow the seeds of growth and change for the benefit of the community the organization serves. During my all too brief time here at the Detroit Zoo, as a humble summer intern, I had the privilege of helping sow these seeds of perspective for guests and staff alike. By providing on-the-ground and administrative support to Vice President of Diversity and Community Engagement Dr. De’Andrea Matthews, I helped pave the way for current and future Zoo endeavors. From discovering how diverse our team and guests are to reviewing Americans with Disabilities Act standards across Zoo grounds, I found myself at the heart of an institution that serves not just a wide variety of animals, but a wide variety of people. As my time at the Zoo winds down, I feel I can rest easy for the future of this community. The hearts and minds of the Detroit Zoological Society have a special spot for the growth of community through the continuous pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility — and the DZS will continue to serve our diverse community in all it does. Behind the Scenes of DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY BY EVAN MCCARTHY, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUMMER INTERN
Unwrap a year full of wonder. Gift a Detroit Zoo membership to a special person in your life! Three ways to gift: With great benefits such as free parking,* discounts on merchandise and education programs, advance ticket sales and much more, a Detroit Zoo membership is the perfect gift for any occasion. • Visit dzoo.org/gift23 • Call (248) 541-5717 • Visit us at the front gates *Free parking available during daytime public hours. Annual membership will begin upon gift certificate redemption.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5Mg==