The Official Sacramento Zoo Blog

Keeper Profile, Erik in Carnivores

2012-02-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

Learn more about the talented and dedicated individuals that take care of the zoo animals in our newest installment of the Keeper Profiles series. Missed the first ones? Check out all the past blogs here.

Name
Erik Bowker

What area do you work?
I am one of two primary carnivore keepers.

How did you become a keeper? (Did you get a degree? Did you volunteer or intern. etc?):
I graduated from U.C. Davis with a degree in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology in 2008. I began volunteering here at the Sacramento Zoo during the summer of my junior year followed by a semester internship at a Big Cat rescue facility in Texas. After graduating I worked with dogs and cats at a boarding facility before starting to volunteer again at the Sacramento Zoo. A position eventually opened up and I was accepted.

How long have you worked at the Sacramento Zoo?:
I have been working at the Sacramento Zoo for a year and a half.

When did you know that you wanted to be a zookeeper?:
From a very young age I knew that I wanted to work with animals, so as a kid I would tell everyone I wanted to be a veterinarian. As I got older and realized there were a number of jobs available working with animals I began to look at Zoo keeping and animal training as an ideal choice.

What is your favorite part of the job?:
I really enjoy the relationships I have developed with the various animals I work with. They each have their own personality and respond differently to training, feeding, enrichment, and daily interactions they have. It’s very interesting to see how different two animals of the same species can react to the same stimulus.

If you were starting a new zoo, which animal would you choose first to put in it? (Can be based on your favorite or conservation need):
I would choose the wolverine, mostly because they are cool, but also because I think it is important for people to learn about conservation of animals native to North America. The wolverine has been greatly impacted by human population growth and expanding development as well as global warming. Not many people know much about this species having them in zoos would really help spread the message about native species.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a zoo keeper?:
In addition to a college education, getting as much experience (volunteering/internships) as you can is definitely the best way to get your foot in the door. I would recommend putting in time at several facilities with a variety of species. Even if you know that there is a specific type of animal you want to work with, it is very difficult to specialize right from the start, so if you have a good background in a diverse collection of species it will always help.

Tell us something interesting about one of the animals in your area. It can be factual or a personality quirk.
Our youngest tiger thinks she is the world’s best stalker, hiding behind things….even when they aren’t there.

Groupon Campaign to Support ZooMobile

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

Groupon, the popular daily deals and discounts site, has selected the Sacramento Zoo to receive donations through “Today’s Featured Campaign” from January 31st through February 2nd!

100% of the proceeds raised through Groupon will go to the Zoo, provided that the deal gets “tipped.” Meaning that at least $250 must be donated between January 31st and February 2nd for the Zoo to receive all the funds. Earnings from the deal will support the ZooMobile Scholarship Fund. Help spread the word by telling your friends!

The ZooMobile brings an educational and entertaining experience to schools and provides a foundation of information and knowledge to capture imaginations and stimulate curiosities about the world.

How do I donate through Groupon?
1. Between January 31st and February 2nd, go to: http://www.groupon.com/deals/sacramento.
2. Click “BUY” on the Sacramento Zoo deal and select the quantity you wish to donate (1 = $10, 2 = $20, etc.)
3. Click “COMPLETE ORDER.”
The secure donation goes through your credit card.

Thank you for supporting the Sacramento Zoo ZooMobile Program!

G-Team is a community outreach initiative within Groupon that brings communities together to do good, have fun, and make an impact. G-Team has been working with non-profits like the Zoo to help raise funds and awareness through the collective buying power of Groupon followers.

Annual Flamingo Round-up

2012-01-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

By Tonja Swank, Public Relations Coordinator

Every year on a cold January morning the flamingos at the Sacramento Zoo receive an annual exam. A lot of preparation goes into making sure that each of the 40 flamingos are safely gathered together and then examined one by one.

Keepers, Zoo Veterinarians and veterinary students from UC Davis meet early in the morning, next to Lake Victoria, to begin the round-up.

First the flamingos are gathered together through a carefully orchestrated operation that involves corralling the flamingos into a holding pen, while putting the least amount of stress possible on the birds.

Then each individual bird is identified so that it can be weighed and its personal medical records can be reviewed.

Next they are thoroughly examined, inoculated against West Nile Virus and have blood work done.

After a receiving a clean bill of health each flamingo is carefully released back into the water.

Happy Birthday Makan!

2012-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

Zoo keepers work hard to make animal enrichments a part of their every day routine, but when a zoo animal has a birthday they go above and beyond to make them even more festive!

Makan the Sumatran Orangutan turned 9 years old last week and came out on exhibit to find cupcakes (made from primate biscuits, yam "icing" and fruit), streamers and a large present that included a paper party hat.

As part of our 85th birthday celebration, we'll be sharing birthday stories and zoo memories throughout the year. Share your Sacramento Zoo memories by visiting our website and submitting old photos, stories or videos. And make new memories with the Zoo in 2012!

Green Acres Volunteer Gardening

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

The Sacramento Zoo is very grateful to Green Acres Nursery and Supply for making the Zoo’s Backyard beautiful!

Green Acres generously allowed 10 employees to volunteer their time over two days to rake, clean, weed, prune, fertilize, plant and revitalize the area! Their hard working staff spent hours gardening and amending the soil in preparation for a truck load of California native plants that they also donated!

Thank you to Green Acres and their wonderful staff for being strong community supporters and promoting a healthier and greener environment.

Visit the Green Acres website to see all that they offer!

New Roadrunner

2012-01-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

By Brenda Gonzalez, Membership Coordinator

Many people associate Roadrunners with the famous tall, blue cartoon character that is always running from a coyote. Now you can see what a real Roadrunner looks like at the Sacramento Zoo!

The new male Roadrunner is much smaller than the bird depicted in cartoons. Roadrunners are native to the American Southwest, average 7-12 inches in height and are brown and white with piercing bright yellow eyes and a stiff long tail. Roadrunners are well named; they are weak flyers, often relying upon their strong, scaly legs to carry them away from danger and toward food.

The Roadrunner will be temporarily housed next to the White-faced Owl exhibit before moving to his permanent home with the Thick-billed Parrots. Be sure to stop by and check him out on your next visit!

Lion versus the Grinch

2011-12-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

For our Holiday Magic event in December, our wonderful Zoo Teens fabricated a cardboard and paper mache Grinch in his sleigh! It was placed in the Lion exhibit and here is what happened.

AmeriCorps at the Zoo

2011-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

By Maxwell Gruber, AmeriCorp Volunteer

Team Gold 2 of AmeriCorps NCCC served at the Sacramento Zoo this November, where we had the pleasure of working closely with the Zoo maintenance crew and Zoo keepers. The majority of our service was managed by the valiant maintenance team, with whom we worked each and every day in the trenches (sometimes literally). We assisted in the maintenance and improvement of the Zoo's beautiful grounds and exhibits.

Our first project was to beautify Lake Victoria/Lake Maracaibo and prevent invasive animals from burrowing below the perimeter fence; we accomplished this by laying stones along the entire perimeter of the fence. We also helped improve the Chimpanzee exhibit by hanging new rope from the caged dome and planting dozens of new bamboo plants within the exhibit. A third project was the beautification of the thick-billed parrot exhibit where we replaced dead trees/bushes with new plants better suited for the birds.

Each member of our team was given at least one opportunity to shadow a zoo keeper for the day. We assisted in every aspect of tending to the needs of the exotic animals. Our zoo keeping duties included feeding and stall clean-up, as well as all of the glamorous daily chores that come along with caring for animals. It was incredible to see the Zoo from the other side of the fence, and to work side by side with the zookeepers.

We of Gold 2 appreciate the opportunity we were given to work at the Sacramento Zoo. It was truly a unique experience to work closely with such beautiful animals on a daily basis. We have an incredible amount of respect for the work that is completed every day at the Zoo by the entire Zoo staff. A lot goes into it all. A special thanks to our project sponsor, Valorie Schneider for taking care of us during our stay. We would also like to thank Jason, Micheale, Scott, Nate, Tony, Tom, Amanda, Mandy and all others for working closely with us and creating a fun work atmosphere.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a 10 month program for individuals between the ages of 18-24. NCCC strengthens communities and develops leaders through team based national and community service. To learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC, check out our website at www.AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC. Be sure to follow Gold 2 during our 10 months of service: http://www.facebook.com/AmeriCorpsNCCCgold2.

Long Time Member

2011-12-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

Zoo Members are at the heart of our organization and many have been supporters for years! Earlier this year at the members’ preview of the new river otter exhibit, Angelina Singer and her five children (Christa, Carmen, Carina, Carissa and Jason) made otter puppets and had a wonderful time. Thank you Angelina and family for supporting us since 1978!

Shop at the Zoo for the Holidays!

2011-12-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us and the we have just what you need to for your gift list. Get your shopping done early and support your Sacramento Zoo!

Membership
Zoo membership makes a great gift that lasts all year long. They’ll remember you every time they visit the Zoo! Benefits include a full year of general admission, discounts on Zoo events, special member activities and much more!

Zoo Parents
From tall to small, you can sponsor any animal in the Zoo with packages starting at just $25! Ask about our special packages that include an adorable plush animal!

Recycled Zoo Banner Bags
The colorful vinyl banners that are used around the zoo are upcycled into durable bags, notepad, wallets and more! The once-yearly sale is Saturday, December 10th from 10 am to 3 pm as part of the Holiday Magic event. Give a truly unique gift and a part of your Zoo to friends and family.

Give the Gift of Green
Be green this holiday season by giving gifts in reusable Zoo bags! The canvas bag is recycled natural color cotton with black handles. The flat foldable nylon Baggu bags come in a rainbow of colors. Both are $10 each and have the lemur zoo logo. Stainless steel water bottles are also available for $13. Sacramento Zoo Members receive a $2 discount.

A Day at the Zoo
Treat your family or friends to a day of fun with the Sacramento Zoo coupon pack. Just $40, the pack includes two adult and two child admission passes, six ride tickets for the train or carousel, coupons for the gift store and concessions…and more!

Amazon.com
Go to Amazon.com using our link to start shopping; it will automatically donate a percentage of your purchase to the Sacramento Zoo at check out – with no extra cost to you!

The 2012 Entertainment Book is only $30!
Inside you’ll find great savings on area restaurants, activities and shopping; with coupons valid from now until November 2012. While supplies last.

Pavers and Benches
Be a permanent part of the Sacramento Zoo with a paver on Big Cat Row or a bench inside the Zoo! Gifts range from $200 to $3,000.

In-Kind Donations
Turn trinkets into treasure! Donations of new or used goods and services are tax-deductible AND help the Zoo. Visit the Wish List page for a full list of needed items.

For more information, visit www.saczoo.org or call (916) 808-5888.

Happy Holidays from the Zoo!

Sacramento #ZooTweetup & Facebook Day

2011-12-05T09:55:00.001-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

Happy Holidays to all our loyal social media followers!

Join us on December 10th from 10 am to 1 pm for a special meetup just for Twitter & Facebook folks. You'll receive half-off Zoo admission for your whole family and a chance to mix and mingle over hot chocolate, light snacks and much more! We'll even have a special animal encounter where we meet some Animal Ambassadors!

Register here, and then pay at the door. When you show up on December 10th, please check in at the front of the Zoo to get your name tags (they are your golden ticket to the half-price admission and activities). If you are already a Sacramento Zoo Member, check in for your name tags then proceed to the Members Entrance and show your membership card.

Register here: http://sacramentozootweetup.eventbrite.com/
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SacZoo
Find us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sacramentozoo

How Do You Look in Yellow?

2011-12-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

By Tonja Swank, Public Relations Coordinator

Volunteer Educators Share Time and Talent at the Sacramento Zoo

If you’ve spent time at the Sacramento Zoo, you have undoubtedly encountered many of the 153 yellow-shirted docents sharing animal information and answering visitor questions. If you’ve ever wanted to share your love of animals, now is the time. Join forces with those who give a total of more than 6,000 hours to the Zoo each year. The Sacramento Zoo is taking applications for the 2012 Docent Training class until December 15, 2011.

As a Docent, you will share the strength of a tiger’s jaw, show the vertebrae in a giraffe’s neck and compare paw prints. Docents conduct station talks at the Zoo, giving visitors a hands-on education about animals at the Zoo and around the world. With additional training, you can lead school field trips, give tours and participate in live animal presentations, both on and off Zoo grounds.

Zoo Docents are volunteer educators, 18 and older, who have a love for wildlife and enjoy people. An orientation meeting will be held on January 7, 2012, followed by a nine-week class. This mini-course in Zoology runs every Saturday through mid-March. For more information on becoming a Docent and to receive an application, please contact the Education Department at (916) 808-5889 or sperez@saczoo.org.

Zoo Teens Paper Mache Contest

2011-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Musser, Teen Coordinator

Zoo Teens are a group of dedicated youth that love animals, the earth, and our community who volunteer their time on weekends at The Sacramento Zoo. Zoo Teens develop their own ideals, views, and passions, to help encourage zoo patrons to become better stewards of the Earth.

The 2011-2012 Sacramento Zoo Teens started their year off with a Paper Mache Contest! The teens were split into four groups to develop and create the most unique Paper Mache project for our Lions. The completed projects included; a pair of Zebras, T-bone steak complete with knife, fork, and plate, a Gummy Bear with a Tootsie Pop, and a carrot.

Selecting only two was difficult but the project winners were the Zebras and the T-bone steak (utensils and plate included). The winning two were selected based on creativity and most appetizing to the Lions, and voted on by the Education Staff.

Two zebras taking shape

Steak and knife looking good!

Steak, fork, knife and plate ready for the lions.

The winning pair of zebras

Keeper Profile, Kayla in Birds

2011-11-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

Name
Kayla Hanada

What area do you work?
I am one of the primary bird keepers.

How did you become a keeper? Did you get a degree? Did you volunteer or intern. etc?
I got my degree in environmental science, technology, and policy from CSUMB (Go Otters!). I also volunteered and interned at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a couple of years in the temporary river otter exhibit, and then in the aviculture department.

How long have you worked at the Sacramento Zoo?
It has been a little over a year now.

When did you know that you wanted to be a zookeeper?
I had always known I wanted to work with animals, but I was never quite sure how until I became a volunteer at the aquarium. Then I really understood that I wanted to work in the animal care field.

What is your favorite part of the job?
I think my favorite part of the job is getting to work so closely with exotic animals. I love handing our keel-billed toucan her medication in the morning, or trying to station train our lady ross’ turaco. I also love being involved in incubating eggs and hand-raising chicks. It is such a fascinating process.

If you were starting a new zoo, which animal would you choose first to put in it? (Can be based on your favorite or conservation need)
I really enjoy all of our hornbill species because they are very intelligent. Visitors have a great time watching them get enrichment. I would also add himalayan monal pheasants and keel-billed toucans. If I had to pick a non-bird species, I would put in southern tamanduas (the one at the zoo is one of my favorite animals here!), mongoose lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, or yellow-backed duikers.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a zoo keeper?
My advice would be to get as much experience as you can. Volunteering at a facility with animals is always a good way to figure out what animal care staff does on a daily basis. It also gives you a chance to talk to the people that work there and learn as much as you can. Also, never give up! If you want to volunteer at a facility and don’t get it the first time, keep trying. It might take a while, but if it is something you are really passionate about, it is totally worth it once you start.

Tell us something interesting about one of the animals in your area. It can be factual or a personality quirk.
Although we have many ducks on the lake, most of them do not quack! Two species we have, White-faced whistling ducks and Fulvous whistling ducks, whistle instead of quack. It sounds like a cute squeaky toy when they whistle.

International Red Panda Days

2011-11-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

By Amanda Mayberry, Carnivore Keeper

International Red Panda Days are coming up on Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13th from 10 am to 4 pm.

What is a Red Panda you ask?
Well, Red pandas are the cute fluffy things you will find next door to the Australian outback! But, don’t let them fool you. They have sharp claws to help them climb and sharp teeth to help them chew. They are considered the first true “Panda” as they were discovered prior to the Giant Pandas. Red Pandas are not actually related to the Giants but are unique unto themselves. The two species however share a love of bamboo and come from the same region. Come to our International Red Panda Days and find out more!

How do we take care of the Pandas?
In the morning, we call all of the Pandas in for their breakfast. Each Panda gets fed in a separate den space so we know how much they are eating (One of our females likes to eat ALL of the food so we have to make sure the others get enough). She is a funny panda, that one. Sometimes you will find her sleeping in a little hole in the back wall, upside down hugging a piece of bamboo. Next time you are at the zoo see if you can catch her in this amusing position! There's also a photo below!

While the Pandas are eating inside, we go outside and clean the exhibit. Once the exhibit is clean, we put out fresh cut bamboo and fresh water. When the Pandas are done eating we let them back outside to enjoy their bamboo shoots and lounge around for the rest of the day. In the afternoon, we give them the rest of their food for the night and do one last check to make sure everyone is alright. The Pandas are very mellow animals and only get excited when they are threatened or scared. Luckily that doesn’t happen often so you will see our 3 sleeping in their favorite spots. When you visit, see if you can find all three!

Red Panda Days
Take advantage of extra Keeper Chats at the Red panda exhibit, this Saturday and Sunday during Red Panda Days! The Sacramento Zoo will be hosting International Red Panda Day, which is an interactive and educational event developed to raise awareness about Red Panda conservation.

Kids (and adults too!) can become “Red Panda Rangers” after stopping at the various Red Panda Stations and completing the Panda activities. Any and all donations from this event are given to The Red Panda Network, a conservation group working directly with community-based organizations in Nepal.

There will be five Red Panda Stations around the Zoo, each with a different panda activity. Begin your journey at the front of the Zoo, where you can pick up a passport containing the five Himalayan territories where Red Pandas are found.

Red Panda Keeper Chats will be at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm at the Red panda exhibit.

Welcome new Supervisor of Collections!

2011-10-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

By Tonja Swank, Public Relations Coordinator

The Sacramento Zoo has welcomed Matt McKim as the new Supervisor of Collections. McKim came from Micke Grove Zoo where he served as Zoo Curator for six years.

Being Supervisor of Collections requires a very skilled individual. He will oversee the complex task of transferring and receiving animals, a job that requires a lot of paperwork, careful consideration into how to transport an animal and working closely with other zoos. McKim will also hold the responsibilities of an onsite supervisor which includes working with the Zoo’s Keeper-Aide Program, coordinating staff development, supply acquisition, acting as the Zoo’s registrar and coordinating records of the Zoo’s animal collection.

“I am optimistic and excited to continue to work in a field that I love as part of this successful and respected organization. I look forward to contributing to the future of the Sacramento Zoo as a world class conservation institution.” said McKim.

McKim graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in animal ecology and environmental studies. After graduation he began working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. From there he made the shift to zoos as a zookeeper at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, IA and then moved west to become a zookeeper at Micke Grove Zoo in Lodi, CA. In 2005 McKim accepted the position of Zoo Curator at Micke Grove Zoo which he held until his recent transition to the Sacramento Zoo.

Another bright spot of this new opportunity for McKim is the chance to work in the community in which he resides. McKim said, “I have called Sacramento home for more than 11years. My new position allows me a wonderful chance to give back to the community I live in by joining the Zoo’s efforts to serve as the local go-to source of conservation education for both children and adults throughout the area”.

Matt with Twilight the Western Screech Owl

Buy Books for a Good Cause

2011-10-20T16:21:00.001-07:00

By Brooke Coe, Greater Sac AAZK Member

“The great objection to new books is that they prevent our reading old ones.” – Joseph Joubert

Tired of reading the same old books? Greater Sac AAZK, Sacramento’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, is hosting their First Annual Book Sale this Saturday, October 22, from 10 am to 3 pm. The zoo keepers will be stationed just outside the Zoo’s front gates with a wide selection of books in all genres. You’ll have an opportunity to find excellent books to read while supporting a great organization. Come and join us!

Greater Sac AAZK Book Sale
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10 am to 3 pm
Sacramento Zoo’s Front Entrance

Sacramento Zoo Grieves for Orangutan

2011-10-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

By Tonja Swank, Public Relations Coordinator

The Oldest Sumatran Orangutan in the U.S., Ginger, Dies

Sacramento Zoo is saddened by the death of Ginger, their female Sumatran orangutan. Ginger, born in Sumatra in 1955, died the morning of October 18, 2011. She came to the Sacramento Zoo in 1984 where she surpassed all expectations, becoming the oldest Sumatran orangutan in the U.S.at the age of 56.

Leslie Field, Supervisor of Mammals, noted, “Ginger has always been a strong personality…even with keepers, she could be strong-willed. As the matriarch of the orangutan group, Ginger was a spectacular ambassador for wildlife; she inspired and motivated Zoo visitors to take an active role in conservation.”

Ginger was being treated for age-related illnesses, including arthritis, for some time. More recently, Sacramento Zoo veterinary and animal care staff attempted to treat neurological issues which had affected both her eyesight and coordination. Ginger was not physically able to move inside from her habitat last night. Discussion today focused on Ginger’s quality of life and potential for improvement. After careful consideration between Zoo administrators, animal care and veterinary staff, the decision was made to euthanize her to avoid any suffering.

Sumatran orangutans are native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They are listed as endangered and are especially vulnerable to loss of habitat because they are only found on one small island. Current estimates indicate that there are only 20,000 to 30,000 orangutans left in the wild. Orangutans can live up to 30 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity.

Ginger will be missed by visitors and staff alike.

Who's Studying Whom?

2011-10-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

The Sacramento Zoo has made quite a splash with the newly renovated North American river otter exhibit. We just had to share this comment from a Zoo member and the pictures of her inquisitive son with an equally inquisitive river otter!

"We had a great time at the new Splash exhibit, here are some pictures of our son RJ and your otter “studying” each other."

Leslie Morris
Sacramento Zoo Member

Ground Hornbill Chick Update

2011-09-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

The Abyssinian ground hornbill chick that hatched on June 15 is growing fast! He looks like an adult but is still learning how to move around. In the video below at week 7, you'll see him use his wings to keep his balance as he learns to stand. Ground hornbills stay in the nest until they are able to fly away from predators. So despite his large size, he is still learning the basics.

Once he was walking, zoo keepers moved him from the tub (which he would start trying to jump out of), into a larger pen. In week 10 you can see him starting to use his wing, hop around and move faster.

We'll keep you updated on his progress!

Read all the hornbill chick blogs here.

New Digs for River Otters!

2011-09-15T11:49:00.001-07:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

September 9, 2011 marked the opening of the newly renovated North American river otter habitat that we call SPLASH! The existing concrete pool was about the only thing that made it into the new exhibit. More land was added, a decorative rock background was installed, a new water fall and most striking is the all-glass viewing area for the public.

Not only can you see the otters in a more up-close-and-personal way, they can see you! During their first week, Zoo staff has been thrilled to see them playing and exploring in their new space and surprised at how much of an interest they take in the visitors.

Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to make this project possible. Especially to Otto Construction and River City Glass that have done so much for this project and many others.

Make sure to come visit the Sacramento Zoo soon and see the river otters in their new digs!

Here's a video of the new exhibit and the otters enjoying their new space. Or watch on Youtube.

The old otter exhibit

The framing and ground work are done

The stone work finally made it look like an exhibit

More land means more landscaping

The new exhibit

Keeper Profile, Scott

2011-09-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Name
Scott Rammel

What areas do you work?
Birds, Reptiles, Primates, Carnivores and Ungulates.

What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is getting to see the animals I care for everyday. It's pretty amazing when I stop and think about how cool it is to work with exotic animals.

What is your favorite animal?
I think Meerkats are awesome!

How long have you worked at the Sacramento Zoo?
I have been here for seven years; 2 as a volunteer, 2 as a part time keeper and 3 as a full time keeper.

What would you tell someone who wants to become a zookeeper?
Do not get into this field for the money. You have to love the job.

When did you know that you wanted to be a zookeeper?
Ever since I was a kid.

Why is your job so important?
It is important to educate the public about the threats to the species at the zoo. We also maintain viable populations of the species in case they do go extinct in the wild.

Tell us something interesting about one of the animals you have worked with.
One of our Himalayan Monals was the reference for Kevin in the Pixar Studios movie, Up.

What would you say to people who may not be as interested in looking at the birds in the zoo?
Birds are important and need to be protected for conservation as well. There are many threatened bird species that need our help.

It's a Boy!

2011-08-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Tonja Swank, Public Relations Coordinator

The results are in! The Abyssinian ground hornbill that hatched in May is a boy. In order to determine his gender a blood sample was sent to UC Davis to be analyzed.

He may look full grown but he is still a baby. At 62 days old he weights 4,420 grams (9.7 pounds) and is beginning to move about and test his feet. This is typical for a ground hornbill, in the wild they do not go outside of the nest until they are 80-90 days old.

Read the first ground hornbill blog to see more pictures and video of his development.

Zoo Night at the Sacramento River Cats

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

Join us at the Sacramento River Cats on Friday, August 12th at 7:05 pm for a Zoo Night as you watch your hometown team take on the Round Rock Express from Texas.

Zebra Jerseys
Your River Cats will be wearing special zebra print jerseys for the evening’s game. And you can even get your paws on some since they will be auctioned off at the game! Bids close at the bottom of the 6th inning. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to the Sacramento Zoo for care of the Grevy’s zebra.

Check Presentation
The Zoo Education Department will be presented with a $5,000 check from the River Cats before the game and our very own Gus the Green tree frog mascot will be there! And Lara the Outreach Coordinator will throw the first pitch!

Discounted Tickets
Purchase advanced discounted tickets here! Select “Sacramento Zoo Night” and enter code “ZOO”.

Visit us on Game Night
The Zoo will have a kiosk set up to answer questions and share information about upcoming events, membership, group rentals and much more. Come say hello and pick up a coupon for discounted Zoo admission!

Unplanned Reunion at Twilight Thursday

2011-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

By Laurie Hensley, Zoo Supporter

Sacramento Zoo’s last Twilight Thursday of the summer, So 70’s, created the perfect venue for an unplanned mini-reunion. About 20 former students from McClatchy H.S., classes 1971 and 72, gathered under the oak tree on July 28, inspired by the Q-Balls concert at Twilight Thursday.

Our dear friend Bruce Leino is in the band. And the chance to see him, the band and enjoy old friends was too good to pass up. It didn't disappoint a bit!

The Q-Balls put on a great concert, as always; the conversation and camaraderie were wonderful. We even got a shout-out from the stage when Roy, the Director of Marketing at the Zoo, introduced our informal reunion group to the crowd. Fun! Can't wait 'til next summer's show.

Most of the reunion group

Bruce Leino of the Q Balls

More of the reunion group

The Q Balls