The Madagascar! exhibit at WCS’s Bronx Zoo is now home to three new lemur babies: two

ring tailed lemurs and one brown collared lemur, all born in early spring 2016. Both species live in a naturalistic habitat evoking the Malagasy region’s spiny forests, along with critically endangered ra-diated tortoises and several bird species including vasa parrots, red fodies, grey-headed lovebirds, and ground doves. 

Ring tailed lemurs are native to the forests and bush in the south and southwestern portions of Madagascar. Th ey are very social and live in large matriarchal groups that oft en contain several breeding females. Although they are capable climb-ers, they spend much of their time on the ground. Newborns will ride on their mothers’ chest and back for the fi rst few weeks and will begin to move around on their own within two-to-four weeks, but still stay close to their mother.

Brown collared lemurs are native to the tropical forests of southeastern Madagascar. Th ey use their long tails to balance when leaping through the forest canopy. Th ey live in groups of males and fe-males but, unlike many other lemur species, their

social structure is not matriarchal. Th e young ride on their mother’s back hiding in her fur for the fi rst few months of their lives.

Bronx Zoo visitors can encounter six species of le-murs on exhibit in Madagascar!: ring-tailed lemurs, brown collared lemurs, red ruff ed lemurs, gray mouse lemurs, crowned lemurs, and Coquerel’s si-faka. Black and white ruff ed lemurs are on exhibit at WCS’s Central Park Zoo.

MEMBERS’ NEWSThe Offi cial WCS Members’ Newsletter

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Jul/Aug2016

Baby Lemurs at the Bronx Zoo

Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Tip: Guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the new additions will have to observe closely, as young lemurs cling to their mothers and nestle in their fur.

Saving Lemurs in the WildWCS works to protect lemurs and their disap-pearing habitat in the African island nation of Madagascar – the only place in the world where lemurs are found in the wild. Th e lemurs’ habitats are being destroyed by human activity including charcoal production and slash-and-burn agricul-ture. To learn more, please visit wcs.org.

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• Explore the Zoo’s shady pathways and view amazing animals at Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, the newly-renovated Children’s Zoo, and more.

• Meet our animal keepers and learn about caring for wildlife at the zoo and beyond.

• Take flight on our one-of-a-kind Bug Carousel.• Enjoy live performances from the Wildlife Theater

troupe at Wild Asia Plaza. • Join us for Elephant Yoga on Astor Court.• Adventure Club - Meet Pablo Python and his animal

friends on a journey in the Children’s Zoo. Sponsored by Canon U.S.A.

• Activity Trail - Explore animal and human movement at exhibits near Dancing Crane Plaza. Sponsored by Empire BlueCross BlueShield.

• Flight! - Identify bird species, flight patterns, and other behaviors at World of Birds. Sponsored by JetBlue.

• Visit our keeper table in the Dancing Crane Plaza and play an animal trivia game. 

• Get an airbrush animal tattoo at the Dancing Crane Pavilion.

• Laugh with Dolly the Clown.• Experience all the zoo has to offer!

Join us rain or shine for exclusive Members-only access to the Bronx Zoo!

2016 Members’ Evenings at the Bronx Zoo THURSDAY, JULY 14 & TUESDAY, JULY 264:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.

Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

FREE admission to exhibits and attractions.FREE parking after 4:00 p.m.Enjoy a 10% discount at the Dancing Crane Café and zoo shops.

Schedule of Keeper Chats: Sea Lions – 5:00 & 6:15 P.M. Reptiles – Throughout the evening at World of ReptilesBirds – Throughout the evening at World of Birds

Please bring your Membership card and one form of ID to check in.

Exhibits and rides will be open, weather permitting. Some animals may leave their exhibits early depending on their needs. The line for the Wild Asia Monorail closes at 6:30 P.M. All admission gates and parking lots will be open. Parking is subject to availability. FOR MORE INFORMATION:Contact the Membership Office 718-741-1190 memberevents@wcs.org

Members’ Evenings Benefits:

New Arrivals in JungleWorld

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Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

JungleWorld at WCS’s Bronx Zoo features a number of habitats that highlight the biodiversity found in the jungles of Asia. On your next visit to JungleWorld, keep an eye out for some new arrivals. An impressive

colony of Rodrigues fruit bats has been added to the Matschie’s tree kangaroo exhibit. Just across the path from the bats and tree kangaroos, a pair of Asian small-clawed otters welcomed a pup born this spring.

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There Are Many Ways to Save WildlifeIn addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide.

Give Monthly Become a Wildlife Protector and provide ongoing monthly support to save the world’s most magnificent wildlife and wild places. You can make a difference for as little as $5 per month. Please visit wcs.org/wildlifeprotectors for more info.

Leave a Legacy Designate the Wildlife Conservation Society as a beneficiary in your will or of your individual retirement account or life insurance policy. Your legacy gift will enable WCS to protect wildlife and the spaces they inhabit for many years to come. To learn more, please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at nbenoliel@wcs.org or 718.741.1628.

Become a ConservationPatron Support 500 conservation projects in nearly 60 countries, and enjoy exclusive access to panel discussions, special events, and tours. For more information, visit wcs.org/patrons or call 718.220.5085.

Give a Matching Gift Employees can double or triple the value of their donations to WCS through their company’s matching gift program. Please see your company’s personnel office for details.

Get to Know a Species: Rodrigues Fruit BatsRodrigues fruit bats, also known as Rodrigues fly-ing foxes, are classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Congress for the Conserva-tion of Nature (IUCN). They are found only on the island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. The species roosts in forested areas and feeds on a variety of fruits. They are threatened by deforesta-tion which leads to loss of habitat and food.

Get to Know a Species: Asian Small-Clawed OttersAsian small-clawed otters are well adapted for a semi-aquatic life. Their elongated bodies and webbed feet make it easy for them to propel them-selves through the water. They have dexterous paws that aid in finding and consuming food, and their fur is extremely dense and waterproof for tempera-ture regulation. Asian small-clawed otters have a vast but shrinking Southeast Asian range that spans from India to the Philippines, Taiwan and parts of southern China. The species is classified as “Vulner-able” by IUCN and is threatened by habitat loss.

Bronx Zoo Tours for Conservation-level MembersTake a 90-minute tour of the Bronx Zoo guided by our knowledgeable docents, the Friends of the Zoo. Together we’ll learn the secrets of Congo Gorilla Forest, or explore the African Plains, or see the zoo’s big cats, or embark on one of many other special excursions. Please visit www.wcs.org/membership/conservation-member-tours for full details.

Not a Conservation-Level Member?Mornings at the Zoo and Conservation Tours are open only to Members at the Conservation Sup-porter level and above. If you are not at Conserva-tion-level Member and would like to attend, you can join, renew, or upgrade your Membership to-day by calling 718-220-5112. Conservation-level Membership starts at the $295 Conservation Sup-porter Level.

Special Events for Conservation-Level Members

Mornings at the Zoo: Meet the ButterfliesSunday, August 14th at 9am at the Bronx Zoo The 2016 Mornings at the Zoo series continues in August. This series of special events is open to WCS Members at the Conservation Supporter level and above. Join us before the zoo opens for a look at some spectacular animals and exhibits, and the opportunity to gain an insider’s understanding of wildlife conservation and animal care.

Encounter over a dozen species of butterflies flut-tering through the Bronx Zoo Butterfly Garden’s greenhouse and meadow. Chat with staff about the fascinating life-cycle of these brilliantly colored in-sects, and learn about the birds and fish that share their exhibit. To complete this insect-centric morn-ing, enjoy a ride on the Bug Carousel! Please note that Southern Boulevard Parking Lot (Lot C) and Asia Pedestrian Gate ONLY will be open at 8:30am for this event; Bronx River Parking Lot will NOT be open. Light refreshments served.

Pre-registration required!Please visit bronxzoo.com/morningsatthezoo to view the full schedule of 2016 Mornings at the Zoo and to reserve your spot. Reservations open approx-imately 60 days prior to each event.

4Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

More than 5,400 people ran, jogged, and walked through WCS’s Bronx Zoo in support of wild-

life conservation at the 8th annual WCS Run for the Wild on April 30th. Th e fi rst to fi nish the 5k run was Christopher Stewart from the Bronx, who fi n-ished with a time of 17:42 – his third year in a row winning the race. Each year, WCS Run for the Wild is committed to raising awareness of the threats facing wildlife while raising money to help WCS

conservation work at the Bronx Zoo and around the world. Since the event’s inception in 2009, more than 40,000 people have participated, raising over $5.8 million. Aft er the run, everyone was invited to stay at the Bronx Zoo to enjoy the wildlife for the rest of the day. Th is year’s activities included an en-tirely new line-up featuring a local microbrew beer garden; a rock climbing wall; and a silent disco on the Bronx Zoo’s historic Astor Court.

5,400 Participate in 8th Annual WCS Run for the Wild

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Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Join the #ElephantYogaChallengePose. Challenge. Donate. Ninety-six elephants are killed in Africa every day for their ivory. You can help save them with yoga. Join the #ElephantYogaChallenge to raise awareness and support for elephants. Go to www.ElephantYogaChallenge.org to fi nd the pose that’s right for you! Make your practice count!  

PROUD SPONSORS

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YOUTHSummer CampSummer camp begins June 27th and runs through September 2nd. Spaces are still available at select zoo and aquarium locations for various grade levels and dates. Contact us soon to reserve a spot for your child before they are gone. A memorable, fun, and wild experience is guaranteed. Learn more at: www.wcs.org/parks/camp

ADULT PROGRAMSConservation Connection SeriesConnect with experts to expand your knowledge of the wildlife we highlight at our zoos and aquarium. Each experience will reveal how nature benefits us, why we need to protect it, and how you can help. Registration is required in ad-vance, ages 18 & up. Bronx Zoo: The Bird is the Word – Exploring Local Wildlife through Nature Journaling, July 10, 9:00 – 11:00am.Bronx Zoo: The Secret Lives of Bees; Celebrat-ing National Honey Bee Day at the Zoo, August 20, 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Photo Series: Take a Photo Walk on the Wild SideMeet some of Queens Zoo’s photogenic residents as we journey through the Ameri-cas. Participants will learn about the zoo’s history, its conservation efforts, and how to tell and share these conservation stories through photography. Photographers of all levels are welcome. Participants must regis-ter in advance and bring their own camera. Queens Zoo: July 30, 9:00am – 12:00pm, ages 18 & up.

Please note that ALL WCS Education Programs require pre-registration and payment. Contact us to reserve your spot as soon as possible.Tours and School Programs: wcs.org/educators/field-tripsBirthday Parties: wcs.org/parties-events/birthday-partiesVolunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/about-us/careers/internsEducators: wcs.org/educators/professional-development

Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Now all at ONE number and email! 800 433 4149edu@wcs.org New York Aquarium 718 265 3457 nyaregistrar@wcs.orgProfessional Development: 718 220 5136 teacherinfo@wcs.orgFamily, Adult & Camp Programs: visit the experiences pages of our parks: wcs.org/parks

EDUCATORSSummer Professional Development for TeachersJoin WCS in July & August for week-long professional development opportunities at the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium, and online. Open to educators of all grade levels in both private & public schools. Sessions are held each week, Mon-day - Saturday starting July 11 through Au-gust 13, registration is required in advance. Learn more: www.wcs.org/teacherpd.

Members receive discounts on most programs!

FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS

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Photo : Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Bronx Zoo QuestsAdventure ClubMeet Pablo Python and his animal friends on a journey in the Children’s Zoo.Wed-Sun plus holidays through Sep 5th; Sat & Sun plus Columbus Day from Sep 6th through Oct 30th.

Activity TrailExplore animal and human movement at exhibits near Dancing Crane Plaza.Wed-Sun plus holidays through Sep 5th; Sat & Sun plus Columbus Day from Sep 6th through Oct 30th.

Flight!Identify bird species, flight patterns, and other behaviors at World of Birds.Sat & Sun plus holidays through October 30th.

Central Park Zoo QuestsEight activities around the park, with a final prize at the conservation station.Wed-Sun plus holidays Jun 22nd through Sep 5th; Sat & Sun plus Columbus Day from Sep 6th through Oct 30th.

Prospect Park Zoo QuestsUse scientific tools and learn cool facts about wild-life and their habitats.Wed-Sun plus holidays Jun 29th through Sep 5th; Sat & Sun plus Columbus Day from Sep 6th through Oct 30th.

Queens Zoo QuestsHave fun in the outdoors, and even get a bit dirty, with playful nature games. Wed-Sun plus holidays Jul 1st through Sep 5th.

WCS Quests at the New York Zoos

New!

New!

Quest-ions? Check out our guides online:BronxZoo.com/QuestsCentralParkZoo.com/QuestsProspectParkZoo.com/QuestsQueensZoo.com/Quests

PROUD SPONSORS

Join us for a series of FREE, family-friendly activities and scavenger

hunts, guided by educators and teens. Along the way, you’ll learn about amazing animals, the importance of conservation, and ways to enjoy the outdoors.

We have six exciting Quests to enhance your visit this season, thanks to our corporate sponsors: Canon U.S.A., Empire BlueCross BlueShield, JetBlue, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Each program features fun and interactive stations, with staff inspiring children and families to value nature. As kids navigate our exhibits, they learn about animals in the wild, think and observe like scientists, play games that spark curiosity and wonder, and even become stewards for WCS conservation around the world.

Look for a Quests Leader in an orange T-shirt to begin your adventure – and don’t forget to share your experiences on social media with #WCSQUESTS.

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NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLONG PRAIRIE, MN

PERMIT NO. 939

MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF:Editor/Writer: Tal AviezerPhotographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise notedDesigner: Dot PayneThanks to Jennifer Kepler, Barbara Russo, and Kathryn Thompson.

Help Save Wildlife and Wild Places

Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Two young male fennec foxes are the fi rst of their species to be exhibited at the Prospect Park Zoo. Their large ears can be up to six inches long, aiding in their ability to hear prey even when it is underground. On your next visit to Prospect Park Zoo, look for them in the Hall of Animals, also home to saki and titi monkeys, dwarf mongooses, and a variety of frogs and reptiles.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

what’s inside1 Baby Lemurs at the

Bronx Zoo2 Bronx Zoo Members’

Evenings3 New Arrivals in

JungleWorld4 Special Events for

Conservation-level Members

5 5,400 Participate in WCS Run for the Wild

6 Family, Youth, and Adult Programs

7 WCS Quests

Jul/Aug 2016

Members’ News Wildlife Conservation Society2300 Southern BoulevardBronx, NY 10460wcs.org

To renew your Membership, please visit us at bronxzoo.com or call 1.800.250.1662.