October 2014 ZOONOOZ

1SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

inside october 2014

wildlife

Touch of Gray: The View on Wolves Is MaturingFrom pups to packs, wolves are intelligent, social, and fascinating members of the North American ecosystem.

The Incredible CoatiKin to raccoons, agile coatis have an appeal all their own.

Growing RogueDiscover the strange and surprising truth about mutant plants.

conservation

explore

Koi StoryNot your average carp! Explore the symbolism and history of koi at the Zoo and beyond.

Small but Mighty: Songbird Sings Until the EndTrampas, a loggerhead shrike, contributed much to saving his species throughout his long, adventuresome life.

Getting Dirty to Be CleanGet the dirt on why some animals consider mud, dust, and soil to be their best bet for a bath.

on the cover: Coati Nasua nasua ©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

What’s in Store

Support

Through the Lens

Chairman’s Note

You Said It

From the Archives

more

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October is Kids Free presented by Mission Fed at the Zoo and Safari Park, when children 11 and younger receive free admission all month long. We consider Kids Free to be much more than a great deal, however; we see it as a

fun and meaningful opportunity for children to connect with wild-life. For some, it may be one of the few opportunities they have. Kids Free continues our organization’s long history of educating kids—and their adults—about animals and the natural world. This commitment to children and education has been a core part of our mission from the start, when the Zoo’s founder, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, dedicated the Zoo to the children of San Diego. Almost a hundred years later, the Zoo continues to inspire individuals of all ages to connect to and care for wildlife.

Today, San Diego Zoo Global has a bold vision for the future: lead-ing the fight to end extinction. Learning initiatives are an important tool in inspiring and motivating people to save species and help ani-mals, plants, and their habitats. As studies have shown, people need to connect with nature to care for it and want to protect it. The many ways we promote learning at the Zoo, Safari Park, our Institute for Conser-vation Research, and in the field provide that connection, in an infor-mal, fun, and memorable way.

Over the years, the number of educators and interpreters at our or-ganization has continued to grow. We now reach more than 5 million individuals at our facilities each year and many more millions through digital programs in more than 100 countries around the world. We provide a multitude of programs throughout our organization’s facili-ties and field sites that help drive this understanding and passion for wildlife, including:

• Classes and camps• Tours and safaris• School curriculum, teacher workshops, internships, and on-

line learning through the San Diego Zoo Global Academy• Websites, apps, live animal cams, videos, games, and social

media• Volunteer opportunities, signs, and interactive elements at

the Zoo and Safari Park• Conservation education programs at our field sites in many

countries. Scientific literacy is becoming increasingly important these days, and

we inspire science education through experiences that take our guests around the world during their adventures and immerse them in the

Where Learning Is Fun

chairman’s note

2 ZOONOOZ n OCTOBER 2014

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

OFFICERSRichard B. Gulley, Chairman

William H. May, Vice ChairmanSandra A. Brue, Secretary

Robert B. Horsman, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEESM. Javade Chaudhri

Berit N. DurlerClifford W. Hague

Nan C. KatonaPatricia L. RoscoeSteven G. Tappan

Judith A. Wheatley

TRUSTEES EMERITIFrank C. Alexander

Kurt Benirschke, M.D.Thompson Fetter

Bill L. FoxFrederick A. Frye, M.D.

George L. GildredYvonne W. LarsenJohn M. Thornton

Albert Eugene TrepteBetty Jo F. Williams

James Lauth,General Counsel

Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO

Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus

THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

OFFICERSMurray H. Hutchison, Chair

Maryanne C. Pfister, Vice ChairSusan N. McClellan Secretary

Richard M. Hills, TreasurerMark A. Stuart, President

Richard B. Gulley, Ex officioDouglas G. Myers, Ex officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChristine L. Andrews

Joye D. BlountRick BregmanLisa S. Casey

Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio

U. Bertram Ellis, Jr.Arthur E. Engel

Craig L. GrosvenorJudith C. Harris

Michael E. KassanSusan B. Major

Michael D. McKinnonGeorge A. Ramirez

Thomas TullMargie Warner

Ed Wilson

sights and sounds of wild places. When guests visit our facilities and walk through our naturally landscaped environments, they get a sense of place while connecting with nature in a safe, welcoming way that is con-ducive to learning. Interpreters, educators, volunteers, and animal care staff tell our stories and share our vision and role in conservation. We provide individuals with the opportunity to learn and enjoy at their own pace but also encourage them to take conservation action.

For those who cannot come to our facilities, technology has pro-vided new tools. Our organization is now truly global, in part because of its virtual reach. We have become a trusted source for animal and conservation information, and including conservation messaging in interactive, technology-based experiences has benefited our conserva-tion work. These technological avenues provide even more opportuni-ties to educate children and adults about animals, plants, and habitats, and inspire the conservation actions that will protect them.

As we reach our 100th anniversary, we will continue to expand and refine how we develop and implement our learning opportunities. After all, it’s going to take all of us, and the next generation, to end extinction.

Rick GulleyChairman


you said it

Thankyou @sandiegozoo for a great day yesterday.- @MarioEstrada71

Little Wu’s 2nd birthday is also the 2nd anniversary of me being a panda-holic! Best addiction EVER.

- Nancy

So cute! Love okapis — they’re so beautiful and gentle, like their taller [gi-raffe] relatives.

- Minnie

He [Sumatran tiger Teddy] is just beautiful! I would just love to “huggle” him but I fear that would by my last act on earth, therefore I am content to

marvel at him at a distance.- Paula

Everyone needs to experience the @sandiegozoo at least once in their life-time…just spent a full 8 hours here and it flew by #incredible

- @KBlask31

We’ve been longtime annual pass holders, but this was the first time we brought our little girl to the Zoo this

past April. We couldn’t wait to share it with her! She loves the giraffes — so do her Mommy and Daddy!- Shirley Miranda

Is there anything cuter than a baby orangutan? Aisha is absolutely adorable…love her hair. Thank you for

the very informative article and cute video.- Gwennie

In April we took my daughter to the San Diego Zoo for the first time. I remember taking trips there with my family as a little girl. I loved seeing her see the elephants

for the first time and mimic them. She couldn’t believe how close she could get to the lions and was roaring at them. Karen the orangutan was giving her kisses through the glass and she was giggling like crazy. She picked out her giraffe shirt and was showing it to Harriet when we got to the giraffe enclosure. I love that she loves animals as much as I do, and I plan on feeding that love and interest as much as possible!- Erin Rogers


My 11 year old has been waiting to see Pandas since she was 2. We finally got to

see them this summer! Loved them!- Amanda Scruggs

Happy Birthday Sasha! Nice San Diego Zookeepers outfit.

- @LievSchrieber

My little dude loves the flamingos!- Debbie Nemehia

Had a great trip thru @sdzsafaripark with @redteekal and @Greeblen. Loved feeding rhinos and giraffes. :D

- @wombatvet

A terrific ending to our mini vaca-tion. We spent the day at the San

Diego Zoo Safari Park. Did you know they have had over 20,000 mammal births and 18,000 bird hatchings since they started in 1969 and opened to the public in 1972? They saved the Arabian oryx, and of the 400 hatchings to save the California condor, over 200 came from there. That is what they are for, and that is why they are worth supporting.- Frank Luxem


through the lens


Guianan cock–of–the–rock Rupicola rupicola


Rüppell’s vulture Gyps rueppellii

sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz

Members get up closeFREE all year long!

Start your membership today. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org

The Incredible

Coati10 ZOONOOZ n OCTOBER 2014

Nose twitching, tail tilting side to side for balance, the tawny-coated coati scam-pers across a log in search of food. Dis-

covering a tidbit caught in a crevice, the animal uses its sharp claws and nimble digits to free the morsel. With its tail acting as a kickstand, the coati takes a moment to eat, then resumes its patrol. The coati is in constant motion—and a delight to watch.

Coatis are members of the Procyonidae fam-ily, a group of New World animals that includes kinkajous, ringtails, olingos, and raccoons. The family resemblance appears strongest between coatis and raccoons, but coatis have a longer nose, body, and tail than raccoons.

There are three known species of coati: white-nosed Nasua narica, South American Nasua na-sua, and mountain Nasuella olivacea. They are found from the southwestern US through Central America and into South America. White-nosed and South American coatis share a slight overlap in range. Mountain coatis—also called little coa-tis because of their much smaller size—have the smallest range, living high in the Andes.

By Wendy PerkinsSTAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken BohnSDZG PHOTOGRAPHER


At Home in the ForestIn general, coatis are forest dwellers. There, a veritable smor-gasbord pleases the palate of these omnivores: fruit, beetles, centipedes, fish, scorpions, snails, and more. Known for their agility, coatis clamber among tree branches in search of food. Coatis even pluck frogs from bromeliads high above the ground.

When a coati decides to forage on the forest floor, the nim-ble creature is able to rotate its hind feet backward to descend headfirst. Poking its long, flexible snout into loose dirt, leaf lit-ter, and rock crevices, the coati uncovers insects, larvae, fallen fruit, and other nourishment. It also uses its powerful paws and long claws to tear apart rotting logs in search of a snack.

Coati CultureCoatis are social and live in groups of 10 to 30 animals, some-times with even larger bands of up to 65 individuals. The makeup of the group depends on the species. South American coatis live in groups of adult females and their young, with a single, dominant male in each mix. Among white-nosed coa-tis, however, the groups consist of females and their young. Males live a solitary life, only joining a group to mate. A single male not associated with a group is known as a coatimundi, a

South American Coati

White-nosed Coati

Mountain Coati

Coati populations.

White-nosed coatis are easily identified by their light-colored snout. Depending on where they are located, this species’ coat ranges from reddish to almost black.

Sometimes the quickest way to reach the other side is to take a leap.

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term often mistakenly used for the entire species (mundi is a Tupi-Guarani word that roughly translates to “lone”).

During the day, the coati band forages as a unit, with ringed tails held straight up as a visual aid to keep track of each other. But they are not constantly on the move—from time to time the whole group stops, does a quick scan for danger, then returns to the task at hand. Animals at the edge of the group are especially watchful, and individuals at the front tend to be even more vigilant. If trouble is detected, the group sounds off with woofing and clicking noises as they quickly take refuge in the trees.

At night, the band settles in among the tree branches to sleep. It is a familiar place of safety for them, as coatis are born in trees. Although they live in a gregarious band, when it comes time for a female to give birth, she makes a nest in a tree away from the rest of the group. She tends her offspring alone for five to six weeks before bringing them into the social group.

A Busy BandA coati going about its business brings new meaning to the phrase “living in the moment.” Visitors to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

are able to witness the agile antics of these animals for themselves at a habitat beside Thorntree Terrace. The five coatis that call this area home are siblings, born in April 2014.

Although coatis are inquisitive by nature, they are also cautious. When first introduced to their new space, the coatis stayed in the back of the exhibit, away from the eyes of guests. But as they became more comfortable, their curiosity won out, and they now explore ev-ery nook, cranny, rock, plant, and bit of soil around them. Keepers make the most of this trait, indulging the curious creatures by hid-ing bits of food all around. This scavenger hunt is a supplement to the coatis’ regular diet, which they eat in their back bedroom area.

Due to the coati’s endearing face and house-cat size, people sometimes see them as potential pets. Not a good idea—every bit of their behavior and biology are adapted to their survival as a wild animal. An inquiring mind, extreme climbing ability, super-dexter-ous digits, scent-marking behavior, and a determination to get into everything are just some of the things that should rule out the coati as a pet. There’s no denying the fun and wonder in watching a band of coatis in the wild, though —and our rambunctious group at the Safari Park! n

1. Coatis manuever easily in trees, and they can rotate their hind feet to travel down a trunk headfirst. 2. Like bears (and people!), coatis walk on the flat of their feet. 3. A baby coati spends five to six weeks in a tree nest before joining the rest of the band. 4. Sharp claws and nimble paws contribute to a coati’s agile movement.

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Touch of GrayThe View on Wolves Is MaTuring

It seems humans have always been wary of wolves. While a few legends and folk tales depict the wolf as fearless and free willed, many others equate the animal with evil, deceit, and greed.

They’re often regarded as nuisances and hunted as unwanted preda-tors. And they’re never going to live down that whole gobbling-up-grandma-and-stealing-her-identity charge! But when one considers this canid’s true nature, and the role it plays in the ecosystem, it be-comes apparent that the wolf isn’t really big or bad at all. And there’s one at the Zoo who wants to spread the word.

a Gray areaIn the case of the gray (or timber) wolf Canis lupus, the story isn’t black and white—but more a matter of, well, shades of gray. “Wolves are seriously misunderstood,” explains Kristi Dovich, animal train-ing manager at the Zoo. “Because of perceived competition for habi-tat and resources, wolves are the most controversial apex predator out there.”

Even a clear picture of the animal’s appearance can be fuzzy. With a coat ranging from all white to grizzled gray to black, the gray

wolf is the largest wolf species, with males reaching up to 136 pounds and measuring as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder. Gray wolves were once common throughout North America, with their range cover-ing more than two-thirds of the United States. Yet by the mid-1930s, they had been wiped out in most areas of the United States, with their range narrowed to Canada, Alaska, the Great Lakes, Northern Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest—their total population was less than 20,000. In the mid-1990s, a reintroduction project brought the gray wolf back to Yellowstone National Park, but controversy over that plan—and similar ones in other states—continues, often grow-ing contentious. “Wolves need a large range to live, raise young, and hunt, and because humans also want that space, there’s almost al-ways habitat fragmentation and conflict,” Kristi explains.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal in 2013 to delist the gray wolf from protected status further fueled the debate. If the proposal passes, management of the species would be the responsi-bility of the individual states. A decision is expected by the end of 2014. The gray wolf is currently “delisted” from federal protection in seven states in the Northern Rockies and western Great Lakes.

Kenai the wolf helps make the Zoo’s Backstage Pass a “howlingly” good experience.

By Peggy ScottASSOCIATE EDITOR



Kristi is quick to point out that the wolf ’s role in the health of its ecosystem is undervalued. “Wolves help manage the popula-tions of elk and deer, which helps maintain the balance between resources and animals,” she explains. “Too many animals com-peting for the same food can leave a habitat decimated, and many animals can starve. Everything has its role in the world.”

GeT PackInGLife in a wolf pack is a hierarchy—albeit a social one. Most packs have from 2 to 15 members, with an occasional “super pack” of more than 20 wolves. Those tend to break up as the individual wolves leave to find their own space and start their own pack. Everyone knows their role with an alpha male lead-er. He and the alpha female of the pack are the only ones that breed. Wolf pups are born in a den, and once they’re weaned at about six weeks, the adults take turns feeding them. They swal-low meat and then regurgitate the food for the pups. Pre-eaten meat: it’s what’s for dinner!

Lack of communication is not an issue with wolves. They use body language, scent marking, barking, growling, and, of course, howling, to get their point across. A submissive wolf crouches and whimpers or rolls over and shows its belly, while a playful wolf dances and bows. Growls and laid-back ears mean a challenge is being made, and barks indicate a warning alarm. The wolf ’s characteristic howl is for communicating long dis-tances to pack members or warning strangers to stay away.

Teen WolfWith its status in question, the gray wolf ’s conservation story is vital to ensuring its survival. And what better representa-

A wolf’s howl can communicate with far-away members—and warn strangers to stay away.

Wolves are pack animals, and each member plays a role in the social hierarchy.


tive than an adorable, charismatic wolf pup? Since his arrival at the Zoo in June 2014, Shadow, now a six-month-old gray wolf young-ster, has been doing his best to spread the word. His training started early, which is key to his success as an animal ambassador. “He is the youngest wolf we’ve had the privilege to work with in 25 years,” Kristi says. “Growing up in the nursery at the Children’s Zoo, he got used to people watching him. And he adores his keepers. That’s where his name came from—he followed his keepers like a shadow.” She adds that this early introduction to humans is important, as such interaction is a huge part of his role as ambassador. “We make his training fun for him, because then he wants to do it again and again,” Kristi explains. “And what he does the most is what he’s go-ing to be the best at.”

Kristi is confident about Shadow’s future as an animal ambassa-dor, based upon his personality—he’s confident and sweet—and his caretakers, which include not only the animal training team but the nursery staff as well. “This group is second to none when it comes to raising baby animals,” she says proudly. “And when they’re old enough to begin training, that starts with playing.” Nursery keeper Becky Kier has watched Shadow grow and learn. “We focus on pur-poseful play, which shapes behavior,” Becky says. “And it’s impor-tant to start young, because the window of time for a pup to learn is short—by the time they’re six months old, they’ve reached their full size.”

Even though Shadow’s a big boy (he weighed 70 pounds at 4 months old), there’s still a lot of puppy in him. His rambunctious-ness can try the patience of Koda, Wegeforth Bowl’s adult gray wolf, who is not shy about putting the whippersnapper in his place. “That’s how he learns the hierarchy that is so important in the wolf world,” Kristi explains, adding that Shadow gets a lot of his social cues from Koda and his other mentor, Duke, an Anatolian shepherd. Shadow and Koda take walks together (with their keepers, of course), and the wolf youngster is fascinated with Duke, following the larger dog

around. The precocious pup has already participated in an education program for second-graders, and he passed with flying colors. The training team members at Wegeforth Bowl are doing their best to keep up with his youthful zeal, and they are confident his appear-ances as an ambassador will help people see this species in a new light. Shadow the winsome wolf hasn’t huffed, puffed, or blown a single house down. n

Koda is teaching Shadow about pack hierarchy. Shadow’s crouching posture and licking express submissiveness.

Shadow’s animal ambassador training began almost immediately after his arrival at the Zoo in June 2014, and he is a confident, even-tempered young wolf.


SMALLBUTMIGHTY

Songbird Sings Until the End

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FOR SOME CONSERVATION PROJECTS, there is a familiar indi-vidual animal that played a big part in that species’ recovery or was the embodiment of the restoration effort. An example is the one re-maining viable female known as Old Blue that saved New Zealand’s critically endangered Chatham Island black robin. For all the collab-orating partners involved in the U.S. Navy’s program to recover the San Clemente loggerhead shrike, the most beloved and best-known individual bird was Trampas, studbook number 424. Trampas, the very embodiment of our successful recovery effort, has sadly passed into history, but what an ending he had!

Trampas was hatched and reared by parent shrikes at San Di-ego Zoo Global’s breeding complex on San Clemente Island in May 2001; he was released to the wild as a free-flying juvenile about two months later. Within months of his release, Trampas set up his ter-ritory at Stone Station 1, where our offices and hand-rearing facility are located. Trampas was part of our daily life at Stone Station after that. He was often still sleeping when we arrived at 0-dark thirty, but

we heard him when he woke with a bout of song. He often perched in sight as we worked, and he knew when we were likely to be unpack-ing boxes of crickets—and was ready to catch any that escaped. He would even approach when we called his name, and if you tossed him a cricket, he could pick it off in mid-air.

The location of Trampas’ territory was an advantage for him. He, like all released shrikes in our project, received supplemental food, but because he lived near us, he also received medical care. In January 2008, we saw that Trampas could not bear weight on his left leg. We were able to consult with our project veterinarian, Dr. Meg Sutherland-Smith, and we delivered the necessary doses of medication by injecting them into crickets we tossed to him. He re-covered from that injury, and in 2014, he turned 13. Trampas holds the record for longest-lived shrike in the wild. The average lifespan for wild shrikes is only 2.7 years. The next 2 longest-lived wild birds were number 1460, who lived to 10.3 years, and number 844, one of Trampas’ sons, who is now 10.2 years old and still thriving!

Trampas got a bird’s-eye view of the land from this seaside perch.

PHOTO BY THERESE LITTLEFEATHER, US NAVY

By Susan Farabaugh, Ph.D. CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER,

SAN CLEMENTE LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE BREEDING PROGRAM

Photos Courtesy of the U.S. Navy


Above: One of Trampas’ watchful fledglings from 2014 keeps watch.Left: The early bird: Trampas at sunrise.

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During his long life, Trampas made significant contributions to the wild population. For 13 breeding seasons, he built nests every year, his mate laid eggs ev-ery year, and they successfully hatched chicks in all but one year. Because we shared his territory, we got an intimate view of all his romances, his crowds of f ledg-lings, and, on occasion, his cozy nest inside our drafty storage building. That building may also have been an extra advantage for Trampas, providing a refuge from the worst weather as he slept perched in its rafters.

But like all wild shrikes, he had to battle the local predators, and he lost some eggs, chicks, and fledglings to ravens, island foxes, and rats. Yet he managed to succeed more than average, and pri-or to the 2014 breeding season, he had hatched 84 chicks. He even hatched and fledged seven from one nest! Of his 84 chicks, 22 (25.3 percent) survived to the following breeding season, and 16 success-fully hatched chicks of their own. Even more remarkable, the total number of Trampas’ descendants is 771, cascading down 7 genera-tions (i.e., great-great-great-great-great-grandchicks)! Currently,

there are 74 of his descendants alive on the island, including 3 of his adult sons. But in recent years, his nests were lost to predators, possibly because they knew him so well after all this time. The last time he successfully fledged chicks was in 2011.

We had all been dreading the loss of this bird. Shrikes that live to more than 10 years are likely to develop health issues like arthri-tis, cataracts, and other age-related problems. This spring, we saw signs of this in Trampas. He was not as mobile as he once was, and there were signs he had some loss of vision. We worried that one cold, miserable day, he would just disappear.

Yet, as usual, he paired, built a nest, and hatched chicks. Amazing! He was seen ac-tively defending that nest, mobbing ravens

and foxes that ventured near. Then one spring day, there was a large confrontation, and afterward, Trampas was missing. Field biologists from the Institute for Wildlife Studies, who monitor the wild popu-lation, conducted a nest inspection two days later and found a pile of adult feathers. Gasp! But they also found that all three fledglings and Trampas’ mate were alive and well. Trampas went out in a blaze of glory, and his fledglings, all males, are now free-flying juveniles that we hope will be part of the wild breeding population next year. Through his descendants, Trampas’ legacy will continue to support this long-term U.S. Navy recovery project to restore this critically endangered songbird. n

Above: In 2008, Trampas and his mate hatched and reared seven chicks from a single nest. Right: Trampas’ dashing good looks could bowl anyone over! Ever vigilant, he was a very successful little songbird.

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KOI22 ZOONOOZ n OCTOBER 2014

STORY23SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

Ducking into the Terrace Lagoon is a tranquil detour off Front Street at the Zoo. Even as the rumbling of tour bus engines and a cheery driver’s greeting floats

across the way, it is a calming, bamboo-fringed respite. A murmur-ing waterfall tumbles into a curving, feng shui pond lined with manicured foliage and grasses. A graceful walkway arc provides a bird’s-eye view of the pond, complete with a Japanese-style tōrō (stone lantern). All this converges to make this a soothing setting for the shimmering, colorful resident koi fish—and for visitors as well.

“CARP” A DIEMKoi resemble over-sized goldfish, and, in fact, koi and goldfish are both types of carp. However, they are from two different carp groups. Koi history goes back millions of years: carp fossils discov-ered in South China are thought to be 20 million years old. The fish were featured in ancient Chinese artwork and carvings, and some Chinese rulers kept koi in pools for their viewing enjoyment. Natu-ral mutations of color on the fish’s mostly brown scales occurred like patchwork early on, but it was the Japanese who developed ways to manipulate the blotches of color through breeding to create “living jewels,” or nishikigoi.

Initially, Japanese rice farmers in Niigata kept the fish as a food source to feed their families through the winter. Soon, though, koi were showing bursts of color on their scales, so people built separate ponds for the fancy-colored fish and kept them as pets. By the 1820s, the fish were bred for their varied aesthetic appeal. As their artful appearance grew, so did interest in keeping koi. In 1914, Emperor Hirohito was given koi to keep in the moat of the palace, which was a huge boon for the sparkling fish’s popularity. That same year, koi were also featured at an annual exposition in Tokyo, which further enhanced their appeal. Bred for coloration, pattern, and scalation, ornamental koi Cyprinus carpio have become the epitome “decora-tion” for outdoor ponds and water gardens.

KEEP KOI AND CARRY ONWith its easygoing nature and energetic life force, people have long sought the characteristics associated with koi: good fortune, success, prosperity, longevity, courage, ambition, happiness, and perseverance. Much of the koi’s symbolism arises from the Chinese legend of the Dragon Gate, in which the determined koi swam upstream, conquer-ing waterfalls and other obstacles to reach the Dragon Gate, where the fish are transformed into a dragon, a positive force in Chinese culture.

The Terrace Lagoon provides a scenic respite from the hustle and bustle of Front Street.

By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER



Koi are also tied to the yin yang symbol, with the black and white shapes representing a male and female koi, each completing the other and creating peace and harmony. Koi are even considered a good luck sign for a happy marriage.

Thousands of people keep koi in outdoor ponds or large aquar-iums, which is thought to draw the positive energy and beauty of these creatures into the home. Koi require meticulously clean and well-filtered water, a healthy diet, and plenty of room to grow, swim, and koi-ly “chat” with other fish. They can reach 2 to 3 feet in length and weigh up to 35 pounds. Healthy koi can live for 50 to 75 years, although some experts insist they have lived for nearly 200 years. That’s quite a fish story!

KOI NOT COINSTen koi at the Zoo’s Terrace Lagoon glide around their 18,500-gallon pond, with tiny mosquito fish and a bluegill or two for company. The pond has been around for decades, initially serving as a bird pool. In the late 1990s, a filtration system was added to support the koi. The system operates 24/7, and the water is disinfected with ozone gas to remove contaminants (chlorine is not compatible with fish). The pond is vacuumed once a week.

It’s a collaborative effort to maintain the area, as our Water Qual-ity Department keeps the water and pond clean, horticulture staff maintains the greenery, and reptile keepers take care of the fish. “We get the fun part of the koi pond—we just feed them!” said Brandon Scott, senior keeper. With a bowl of koi pellets and a handful of tiny vein-like blood worms (for extra protein), we stood on the bridge as the fish gathered, lips puckered for their meal, while ducks dashed through the floating sprinkles, grabbing what they could. Signs ask visitors to refrain from tossing coins into the pond, as the animals can accidentally ingest them, causing great harm. Unfortunately, the “wishing well complex” persists, and coins are carelessly tossed into the pond at great peril to the fish.

KOI CAREDespite a balanced diet and living in pristine water, koi can some-times develop tumors. When this occurs at the Zoo, the fish patient is caught up in a net, placed in a secure container, and transported to the Zoo’s Jennings Center for Zoological Medicine. Here’s where things get interesting! Anesthesia (sodium bicarbonate-buffered MS-222) is pumped over the koi’s gills, allowing veterinarians to painlessly conduct a complete diagnostic workup along with any other necessary medical procedures. Once completed, the anesthe-sia is gradually diluted until the koi wakes up. The fish patient is usually returned to its Terrace Lagoon home within 24 hours. The health and welfare of all of our animals is of vital importance—and there’s nothing fishy about that! n

There are about 100 types of koi today, each bred and crossed for a desired color and pattern. According to a popular feng shui website, the Japanese name and symbolism behind the different koi include:

n Kohaku: white body with red spots (symbolizes career success)

n Kumonryu: thought to be the most unique type of koi, either solid black or white body with black spots; its pattern changes as the koi grows (symbolizes life changes and transformations)

n Ogon: silver-colored body (symbolizes success in business, wealth)

n Kuchibeni: white-and-red patterned fish, often referred to as the lipstick koi, since the red color around its mouth resembles puckered lips (symbolizes love and long-lasting relationships)

n Yamabuki: gold-colored body; this is a popular restaurant name (symbolizes riches and wealth)

COOL KOI COLORS

Keeping the water clean is critical for healthy and happy koi!


Despite the sound of the word, monstrose plants are anything but “monstrous.”

Growing Rogue


It can happen anywhere, anytime. A plant can start out devel-oping in the usual way but then takes on a weird, abnormal growth pattern. A palm that should have one central growth point develops seven “heads.” A straight, smooth-stalked cactus takes on an un-settling, gnarled asymmetry. Flowers and stems grow into bizarre shapes. Should we be alarmed? Is it time to head to the nearest bioshelter? No, quite the contrary! These plants are not normal, but their appearance, and how it came to be, is both harmless and fas-cinating.

Not According to PlanLike other living things, plants are made up of cells. A plant grows by increasing the number of cells through cell division. The place where primary growth occurs is called the apical meristem. In this area, cell division is regulated and yields a distinctive pattern and shape for each species of plant.

If disease, injury from insects, or severe weather damages the apical meristem, the finely tuned growth pattern becomes scram-bled, and a mutation can occur. The plant continues to grow, but it takes on an extraordinary appearance. In horticulture, the terms monstrose and cristate identify these rare and random forms.

Top: A mutation of unknown origin caused this plumeria branch to develop several meristems, forming what looks like a many-fingered hand.Center: Folds of growth provide space for more spines—a bit of extra protection.Bottom: One of these cacti is not like the other—but it’s a perfect example of a marvelous mutation.

By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER



Collectors seek out mutations like this seven-headed palm for the bizarre beauty they add to a landscape. (If you only counted six “heads,” look slightly behind the left side of number four.)


From Lumps to SwirlsLumpy, bumpy, gnarled, and twisted, monstrose growth arises when the mutation causes every growth tip on the plant to act as if it were

the dominant one. Some then grow faster than others, resulting in a kind of controlled-chaos pattern.

On the other hand, some mutations affect only the dominant api-cal meristem. Imagine the cells in the growth tip as blocks. Nor-mally, the cells multiply in an orderly fashion, like blocks stacked on top of one another, creating a vertical column. In cristate plants, the mutation causes cells to multiply erratically, aligning horizontally into a row of multiple growth tips. As the plant continues to mature, a fan-like crest takes shape. Some of the many meristems grow faster than others, and a swirling, asymmetrical structure forms.

Peculiar and PopularA monstrose or cristate plant does develop seeds. But the muta-

tion isn’t typically carried within them, so the plant will produce normal offspring. There are exceptions, including one that grows in many home gardens: the popular flower cockscomb Celosia cristata, a cristate form of celiosa. This plant does pass along the mutation, and seeds from the cristate form will also grow into cristate plants.

The strange, other-worldly appearance of cristate and monstrose plants has developed a following. Many horticultural hobbyists seek out these eccentric, eye-catching plants. Succulents and cactus seem to be among the most popular collectibles in this realm. The chal-lenge is that because monstrose and cristate mutations aren’t carried in the seed, plants with those forms need to be propagated through grafts—and no two are exactly alike.

The idea of mutant plants may bring to mind the frightening flora from Little Shop of Horrors. But in this case, truth is stranger—and kinder—than fiction. Any plant can display a cristate or monstrose growth habit, and watching for these odd formations is a pleasant and never-ending adventure. n

The “normal” celosia form is seen on the left, while the flower on the right is the cristate mutation. The mutation is passed through this plant’s seeds, so it is possible to grow the wavy, petaled form, called cockscomb, from seed.

The convoluted folds of a brain coral cactus are a stunning example of monstrose growth.



For some animals, water is not their bath of choice.

Getting

Dirtyto Be Clean


“Splish splash I was taking a bath….” But what if there were no splish or splash? In the Ani-mal Kingdom, water is not always the most

effective—or most available—substance for bathing. Sometimes a patch of nice, powdery dirt or a pool of thick, squishy mud is just the ticket. How is it that get-ting dirty can actually help animals stay clean? Touch the photos below to discover why, for these animals, dirt is not something to wash off, but something to wash in.

By Karen E. WorleyMANAGING EDITOR


WarthogWith those tusks and bumps, warthogs look pretty tough. Yet they’re somewhat dainty when it comes to their skin, which isn’t thick and only has a sparse covering of hair. So what’s a warthog to do? Get dirty! A lovely coating of mud and dirt is the perfect cover-up against the sun and insects.

RhinoAhhhh…seems like there’s nothing better than a nice, thick mud bath for a rhino. It’s cool, it protects the skin against the sun, and it shoos away pesky insects. Even after the mud has dried, it serves a purpose: when it cracks and falls off, it takes dead skin and hair with it.

Galápagos TortoiseGalápagos tortoises are land animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a good wallow. A muddy pool is ideal for a nice, leisurely soak. It doesn’t seem to help their wrinkles much, but it definitely deters insects and parasites.


ChinchillaIn arid environments, water can be a scarce commodity—but sand or dust isn’t. The chinchilla, for instance, is native to the dry and cold Andes mountains, where it bathes in fine, volcanic ash dust. A vigorous dust bath penetrates the extremely dense fur down to the skin to remove oil and dirt, keeping the chinchilla smooth and silky. In California, the Pacific pocket mouse does something similar, bathing in sand to loosen and shed dead skin, hair, and any hitchhiking pests. Sand provides a nice scratch, too, with no drying time involved.

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OstrichMany birds, such as ostriches, pheasants, quail, and even chickens take dust baths. They scratch in the soil until it’s loose or find a sandy or dusty area, then lie down and throw the powdery dirt all over their body and wings. They hold their feathers open loosely so the dirt can penetrate all the way to the skin, where it absorbs excess oils and clogs up the breathing apparatus of any attached parasites. When the birds get up and shake after their dust bath, the grime, old feathers, and parasites drop off. Gives a whole new meaning to “taking a powder”!

ZebraRolling is part of a zebra’s natural grooming habits. A good roll and wiggle in the dirt or mud can help remove loose hair and dead skin. It can also help pull out bits of leaves, stems, burrs, or other foliage trapped in the hair. A nice coat of dirt or mud gives a zebra protection against the sun and helps keep away flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and other irritating insects.

ElephantYou’ve probably seen elephants throwing soil or sand on their head and back, forming a sort of dirt blanket. Why? It helps deter biting insects and guards against sunburn. Even after they’ve had a swim, elephants come out and start dusting themselves with dirt or grass again.


what’s in store


Visit our stores at the Zoo and Safari Park to purchase these featured items.

Items and prices may vary based on availability.Available in select stores.

animal instinctsA fuzzy animal vest can dress up any outfit to

let your inner wildness shine. Perfect for playtime or Halloween!

Lion Vest $19.99

Panda Vest$19.99

Tiger Mask (with tail)

$9.99


A June evening of dining and dancing under the stars, plus a few wild surprises, dazzled close to 900 partygoers at the Zoo’s 31st annual black-tie gala, Rendezvous In The Zoo

(R•I•T•Z).Themed Wild Things: A Night in the Savanna, the party—co-

chaired by Lisette and Michael “Mick” Farrell—celebrated the won-drous world of African wildlife. The gala netted more than $1.4 mil-lion, thanks to the generosity of R•I•T•Z Honorary Chairs Audrey S. Geisel and Ernest Rady. For every dollar donated, they matched it 2½ times to benefit new, exciting homes for zebras, warthogs, baboons, and ibex in the Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks exhibit complex, debut-ing in 2017.

“We sincerely appreciate the combined challenge matches from Audrey Geisel, who has supported the R•I•T•Z gala since its incep-tion in 1984, and Ernest Rady, whose generosity is dedicated to the children of San Diego,” said Lisette. “Mick and I have many wonder-ful family memories from our Zoo visits, so helping raise dollars to enhance the lives of the animals, as well as create new special experi-ences for families, meant the world to us!”

The eight-acre Africa Rocks area will replace the 1930s-era cag-es and grottoes in Dog and Cat Canyon, transforming that part of the Zoo into an awe-inspiring African wildlife experience. In addi-tion to the zebras, warthogs, baboons, and ibex, other animals that will live in the area include leopards, seven lemur species, southern

R•I•T•Z Co-chairs Mick and Lisette Farrell joined Conservation Ambassador Joan Embery and San Diego Zoo Global Chairman Rick Gulley with some “wild” friends.

“Wild” Fun for WildlifeR•I•T•Z 2014

By Georgeanne Irvine, Associate Director/Communications DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

support


ground hornbills, patas and vervet monkeys, honey badgers, and fossas.

Lisette and Mick, along with their committee of 100-plus volun-teers, planned an evening that was fun, festive, and accented with surprises. Some of the party elements included a zebra-striped VIP carpet, African drummers, acrobats, juggling bartenders, live and silent auctions, and an appearance by Conservation Ambassador Joan Embery, as well as Robert the Zebra, a digital puppet with a great sense of humor. Guests were also treated to up-close encoun-ters with a variety of animal ambassadors, including an aardvark, koala, cheetah, and porcupine.

The Zoo extends its heartfelt gratitude to Co-chairs Lisette and Mick Farrell, Honorary Chairs Audrey Geisel and Ernest Rady, and the R•I•T•Z committee. Special thanks, also, to the many sponsors,

underwriters, and donors, including Jeri and Richard Rovsek, who cre-ated a live auction item—a one-of-a-kind VIP adventure for two in South Africa—through generous dona-tions from South African Tourism, South Africa Airways, and African Travel, Inc. We sincerely appreciate everyone for supporting R•I•T•Z! n

By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or including the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please call

619-557-3947 or visit our website at zoolegacy.org.

You can help secure the future for wildlife!

Heritage Guild

Save the date for next year’s R•I•T•Z on June 20, 2015. For more information or to be added to the invitation list, contact

Marilyn Neumann, R•I•T•Z reservation chair, at 619-287-5435 or visit sandiegozoo.org/ritz.

KEN BOHN, SDZG

San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Ambassador Joan Embery brought some animal friends along to set the stage for fun.

Left: It was a balmy night for dancing under the stars, one highlight of the R•I•T•Z gala.Below: An aardvark, the perfect ambassador for the Wild Things: A Night in the Savanna theme, greeted guests.

CAROL SONSTEIN

CAROL SONSTEIN


In 1944, a young yellow alley cat, lured by the smell of meat and milk, squeezed through a drainpipe and into the enclosure of two South American roommates at the Zoo, a capy-bara named Caba and a giant anteater named Morphy. After the cat ate her fill at Morphy’s food pan, she noticed the world’s largest rodent and sidled up to Caba’s resting form. Soon she was lick-ing his coarse hair! Jacqueline Schermerhorn of the Education Department wrote, “Caba could no longer resist such a show of affection. He had been smitten…and ran his own large red tongue down over the soft yellow fur so unlike his own.”

Other kittens arrived, and it wasn’t long before Morphy noticed the intruders at his dinner pan. He frightened them off just by approaching, but the bold, yellow cat soon ventured near while Morphy was dining. He raised his head, stuck out his impossibly long, sticky tongue, and licked her back, causing her hair to stand on end.

Over time, the kittens seemed to prefer Caba’s company. But, as Jacqueline noted, evidence of their friendship with Morphy was ever present, as Caba must “…gaze upon kitties whose hair-do has been fashioned by an...anteater.” n

from the archives

Unlikely Friendships



PUBLISHED SINCE 1926 OCTOBER 2014 n LXXXVII–NO. 10

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS: October 1–31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS: October 1–31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about our animals and events, visit sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.

The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in Octo ber 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation that currently does business as San Diego Zoo Global.This digital edition of ZOONOOZ® is currently published every month. Versions are available for download on iPad and Kindle Fire, and a PDF version is available for viewing on desktops, Android devices, and smartphones. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515. Copyright® 2014 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $119, new; $104, renewal. Single $98, new; $86, renewal. Membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

MANAGING EDITOR KAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITORS PEGGY SCOTTDEBBIE ANDREEN

STAFF WRITERS WENDY PERKINSKARYL CARMIGNANI

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ PHOTOGRAPHER KEN BOHN

DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN TAMMY SPRATT

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION DAMIEN LASATERCHRISTOPHER MARTINHEIDI SCHMID-ROMEROSTEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUANDENNIS CORBRANKAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANIKRISTIN NIELSENTIM REAMERLISA BISSIJENNIFER MACEWEN

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ VIDEOGRAPHERS LEE RIEBERMARIA BERNAL-SILVADUSTIN TRAYER

Documents

October 2014 ZOONOOZ