Spring 2015 | Member Magazine
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR!
Did you know you can rent the whole Zoo or a
portion of the Zoo for your special event? Here are
a few examples:
Birthday Parties – Reid Park Zoo and Taste of the
Wild Catering offer a number of birthday party
options with a unique experience for your child’s
special day. Staff is onsite and will make your event
as easy and convenient as possible so that you can
sit back, relax, and enjoy your child’s birthday.
Tawnya Tretschok, Chairman of
the Board of Directors
Reid Park Zoological Society
Weddings – Say ‘I do at the Zoo’ As you look for
the right place for your wedding, you will find no
place more exotic and beautiful than Reid Park
Zoo. We have indoor and outdoor venues and our
experienced and knowledgeable staff will provide
the personal touch and planning to make your
wedding day extraordinary.
Corporate Parties – From 10 to 3,000 people, we
can work with you to customize the right experience
for your corporate event, whether it is a family
picnic, holiday party, employee retreat or volunteer
recognition event.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Zoo, come
enjoy the beautiful weather and watch Nandi grow!
ZooFriendZ is a very special
circle of people who are
invested in the future of
Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo.
Join ZooFriendZ
Today!
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way
Tucson, Arizona 85716
P: (520) 881-4753
RPZS President
Nancy J. Schlegel
(520) 881-4753
Reid Park Zoo
GREAT PHILANTHROPIST HONORED
In mid-November, a beautiful handcrafted plaque honoring a very
special friend was unveiled at the
Zoo. On hand for the unveiling was
the honoree, Mr. Gilbert Aguirre of
Rancho Mission Viejo near San Juan
Capistrano, California.
Mr. Aguirre, a Tucson native and
University of Arizona alumnus, made
an extraordinary gift to Reid Park
Zoological Society in 2010 by donating
his Ruby Star Ranch property near Green Valley.
The property subsequently was sold, providing the
largest gift ever made to Reid Park Zoo.
As a lifelong rancher and conservationist, Mr.
Aguirre has a deep love of animals and a strong
commitment to preserving their habitats. His gift
will enhance the Zoo’s ability to protect endangered
species and teach children to appreciate our
world’s wildlife. Mr. Aguirre’s gift is a legacy that
will be enjoyed by people in southern Arizona for
many generations to come.
1100 South Randolph Way
Tucson, Arizona 85716
INFO: (520) 791-3204
RPZ Administrator
Jason Jacobs
RPZ General Curator
Jim Schnormeier
RPZ Education Curator
Vivian VanPeenen
2014 Directors & Officers:
Chairman
Tawnya Tretschok
Vice Chairman
Mica Bane
Secretary
Clydean Troner
Treasurer
Mike Hannley
Past Chairman
Page Chancellor-Marks
George Ball
Duane Bernard
Shane Burgess
Marla Endicott
Michael Halle
Sheldon King
Steve Larsen
Gina McRostie
Hanna Miller
Tish O’Callaghan
Cathy Ries
Denice Shepherd
Bridget Stephenson
Donna Warfield
Jim Zarling
Terri Zarling
ReidParkZoo.org
Oct - May: 9 am to 4 pm
June - Sept: 8 am to 3 pm
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
Reid Park Zoological Society’s Zoo & You
prints quarterly
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT...
...YOUR ZOO
N A N D I U P DAT E
Elephant calf Nandi is still
stealing the show! She turned
6 months old on February 20
and has been steadily growing
and gaining weight. By the
time you read this, she’ll weigh
more than 650lbs!
A R A I N B OW O F TOYS
The Zoo’s macaws got a temporary home
makeover, thanks to a few generous donors
who provided the birds with some colorful
new toys! Macaws have very strong and
dexterous beaks, so these toys allow
them to manipulate objects with different
shapes and textures just like they would in
the wild.
N E WS F R O M T H E F LO C K
Young Chilean flamingos Alice (left) and Cranberry (right) are still
very easy to distinguish from the rest of the flock—it will be a couple
of years before they turn completely pink. Mature flamingos in the
wild are pink because of pigments in the algae and invertebrates
they eat. The Zoo’s flock gets a special “chow” made just for
flamingos with those pigments built right in!
L E M U R A D D ITI O N S
Keep an eye on the Zoo’s black and white
ruffed lemur exhibit for some new arrivals.
Male lemur Junior, pictured above, has just
been joined by another male, Jasper. In the
upcoming weeks, two female lemurs are
scheduled to be introduced to the exhibit
as well. Although the Zoo does not plan to
breed lemurs at this time, four lemurs will
ensure this exhibit is busy and dynamic!
ZOO ACTIVITIES
REID PARK ZOO HOSTED TOUR –
JOHANNESBURG, SWAZILAND, AND KRUGER
14 Days / 13 Nights | May 31, 2015 – June 13, 2015
Reid Park Zoo’s adult African elephants trace their roots to South Africa
and Swaziland. The Zoo’s elephants were rescued and brought to the
JAC K H A N N A stopped by Reid Park Zoo to
United States in 2003 as part of a conservation program, and to serve
film an episode of his show, Into the Wild.
as ambassadors for their wild cousins. With the birth of Nandi in August
The episode will air this Spring.
of 2014, it seems natural for Reid Park Zoo to schedule a safari so we
can visit the homeland of these animals.
Reid Park Zoo’s safari to South Africa and Swaziland, scheduled to
depart May 31st, will visit the ancestral homes of Tucson’s elephants.
This tour will be the perfect blend of wildlife and culture. We will visit
several wildlife conservation areas, exploring different habitats and
viewing a diverse array of wildlife. The trip to Swaziland includes a
visit to the Hlane Royal National Park, home to the largest herds of
wildlife in the Swazi Kingdom. South Africa is home to the BIG FIVE:
buffalo, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and, of course, elephant. We’ll visit
several different habitats within the world famous Kruger National
Park, while staying in lovely lodging.
You will be joining Zoo Director, Jason Jacobs on this once in a
lifetime excursion.
For more information about this trip or itinerary, visit reidparkzoo.
org. To discuss reserving your spot, please contact Vivian
VanPeenen at 520-837-8188.
ZO O LI G H T S S E T S R E CO R D
AT T E N DA N C E
Over 45,000 people enjoyed thousands of twinkling lights,
holiday cocoa and cookies, live entertainment and Santa at this
year’s Zoo Lights, presented by BMO Harris Bank. A Tucson
holiday tradition, the event raises funds to support the Zoo’s
education and outreach programs.
SUMMER CAMP AT REID PARK ZOO
Treat your kids to a big adventure this summer without leaving
Tucson! Reid Park Zoo offers action-packed day camps for kids
entering grades 1-5 in the fall. Games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and
opportunities to meet Zoo Keepers--and even help out Behind the
Thank you to all who attended, to Title Sponsor BMO Harris
Scenes--make this camp unlike any other. Each camp group contains
Bank, media partners Cox Communications, I Heart Media,
just 20 kids, so there’s lots of individual attention and room for
KOLD-13 and Tucson Lifestyle and Cookie Sponsor Trader Joe’s.
flexibility. Camp sessions will sell out, so reserve your space today!
For more information go to www.reidparkzoo.org.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
RODEO DAYS CELEBRATION
EASTER EGG HUNT
GRIZZLY BEAR PICNIC
Date: Sunday, March 1st
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Dates: Fri/Sat/Sun, April 3rd, 4th & 5th
Times: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Date: Sunday, May 17th
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Gallop over to Reid Park Zoo for a wild
morning of animal presentations, games
and hands-on activities brought to you by
the Zoo’s Education staff and volunteers. All
activities are FREE with regular admission
to the Zoo. No registration is required.
The Zoo will host THREE Easter Egg Hunts
again this year, so pick a day and treat
your whole family to a fun morning at the
Zoo. The egg hunt will begin at 8am, but
stick around afterwards for live animal
encounters, crafts, and even a visit from
the Easter Bunny! All children between 2-14
must register for this program and must be
accompanied by a registered adult. Infants
under 2 who are not hunting for Easter eggs
may attend at no charge. This program will
fill fast, so register now at reidparkzoo.org.
$9 adults, $5 member adults, $8 children
2-12, free for children under 2.
You probably know that it’s important to
“bearproof” your campground, but now’s
your chance to see what could happen if
you don’t! Guests will have the opportunity
to help Zoo Keepers stage a campground
inside the grizzly bear exhibit (while the
bears are secure in their night house, of
course). Then we’ll watch as bears Ronan
and Finley are given access to the yard,
and see how quickly they dismantle our
work. Picnic includes appetizers and an
open wine and beer bar. $125 per person,
$110 for Zoo members. Spaces are limited,
so visit reidparkzoo.org for more details
and to buy your tickets today!
WHY A WILL WORKSHOPS:
MARCH IS NATIONAL WRITE
A WILL MONTH
Call or email Gail at 881-4753 or
[email protected] to register
Reid Park Zoological Society is partnering
with Child & Family Resources, Easter
Seals Blake Foundation, Humane Society
of Southern Arizona, Junior League and
YMCA to host five workshops on the
importance of wills and planned giving.
These FREE workshops are presented by
local experts in the field of Wills and Trusts.
Tues. March 10th: 2:00-3:30 pm, Easter
Seals Blake Foundation Meeting Room,
attorney Robby Adamson
Tues. March 17th: 9:00-10:30am, Junior
League Office, attorney Elizabeth Spilotro
Wed. March 18th: 6:00-7:30 pm, Reid Park
Zoo, attorney Denice Shepherd
Mon. March 23rd: 4:00-5:30 pm, Junior
League Office, attorney Kay Richter
Fri., March 27th: 2:00-3:30 pm, Northwest
YMCA, attorney Jim Marvel
SAY I DO…. AT THE ZOO!
WEDDING VENUE OPEN HOUSE
Date: Saturday, March 28th
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Looking for a beautiful and unique spot
to hold your wedding? The Zoo offers
several different wedding and reception
venues, which you can preview at this
Open House event. Food samples from the
Zoo’s caterer, Taste of the Wild, will also be
available. Call 881-4753 to RSVP or email
[email protected]
ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING
Date: Thursday, April 16th
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Free for Members ONLY. RSVP to 881-4753
or [email protected]
Visit our website at ReidParkZoo.org under
the “Events” tab to see what’s coming up!
As programs fill, we often add additional
dates or times. Check back often to see
what’s new at the Zoo!
All programs require advance registration
unless otherwise noted.
Date: Fridays, May 22nd – July 10th
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Make the most of your membership and
attend Reid Park Zoological Society’s
annual member meeting. Presentations
from key Zoo and Society staff will bring
you up to date on recent accomplishments,
the status of current projects, and exciting
plans for the future.
Appetizers and
beverages will be served. Please enter
through the Zoo’s front gate.
Enjoy the Zoo and cooler evening
temperatures at a series of themed nights
featuring different Zoo Keeper chats,
animal encounters, artifact stations,
enrichment making activities, crafts and
scavenger hunts. We will have live music
from a variety of local talent each night –
bring a lawn chair and enjoy the concert.
Zoofari Market will be open with menu
specials and adults can even enjoy a cold
beer – IDs required.
PARTY FOR THE PLANET /
RHINO BIRTHDAY
Visit our website at reidparkzoo.org
for information on theme nights and
entertainment.
Date: Saturday, April 18th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us today as we Party for the Planet on
Earth Day! First, consider riding your bike to
the Zoo—just show your bicycle helmet at
the front gate for one free admission. Then
join the party inside, where Zoo staff and
volunteers will host a variety of crafts and
activities all in celebration of our environment
and the fun ways we can protect it.
On this day we’ll also celebrate one of the
Zoo’s oldest residents, Yebonga, a female
rhino born in 1973. 42 years later, Yebonga
continues to delight visitors of all ages, so we
want her to know how much we appreciate
her! We’ll gather at the rhino exhibit at
10:30am to wish her a happy birthday.
MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
Reid Park Zoo’s education department
offers a variety of fun and educational
programs for all ages!
SUMMER SAFARI FRIDAY NIGHTS
Date: Sunday, May 10th
Time: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Treat your Mom to a scrumptious start
to Mother’s Day at the Zoo. Join us for
a delicious Taste of the Wild breakfast
on our Conservation Learning Center
Deck overlooking the beautiful Mill Pond.
Before or after your brunch enjoy free
activities with your children and watch our
animal moms get special treats around
the Zoo. Reservations are required. Visit
reidparkzoo.org for more information and
menu.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way
Tucson, Arizona 85716
PAID
Tucson, Arizona
Permit No. 1257
Save -the- Date!
BREW AT THE ZOO:
Saturday, June 20, 2015
NANDI’S FIRST
BIRTHDAY PARTY:
WE CAN
B E AR LY
S TA N D TH E WAIT !
Thursday, August 20, 2015
ZOOCSON:
Friday, October 16, 2015