Roll Call Information 6/27/22-7/3/22

Brittany Update:

Link to “The Daily”:

Click Here to View the Daily Updates

Content:

I have printed out the informational slides from all the content trainings and they are available in a binder in the file cabinet by my desk.  If anyone needs to review those documents, they are available any time.

 

Wing of Wonder/Free Flight Aviary:

  Below you will find the schedule for who has signed up for the Wings of Wonder Bird Experience.  It looks like we do not have any coverage on Thursday.  If anyone would like to help with that show, it would be appreciated.  If there isn’t an extra body, I am happy to fill in – just let me know!

 

Resources/Materials Update:

Bug Spray – In carts in Elephant and Gorilla.

Fans – Available at my desk if needed

 

Heat Advisory Information:

• Make sure to care for yourself and stay cool and hydrated during the heat advisory this week.  The safety of all ambassadors needs to be a top priority.  If and volunteer needs to skip a shift this week or leave early, it is absolutely no problem.
• If Visitors show concern for our animals during a heat advisory,  I would suggest some version of the message below:
  • “The health and safety animals is a top priority, Animal staff has specific protocols to make sure that our animals are safely cared for in any type of extreme weather.  All of our animals have access to cover and can escape any unfavorable conditions while in their outdoor habitats.   Our keepers also have close relationships with our animals and they can easily recognize if they are stressed or uncomfortable and will take immediate action for their safety.”

Mask Policy Update:

• Masks are required in the Education Building at all times, KN95 masks are preferred by the Education Team.  Please feel free to talk with your team and discuss the idea of moving roll call updates outside if you team is uncomfortable wearing masks in the building.

7th & 8th Grade & Teens joining the Ambassador Teams:

• 7th & 8Th Graders are still joining the Ambassador Teams in the Habitats on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Teens will continue to join the Ambassadors on Fridays in Gorilla at 10am.

 

 Construction Updates:

• Elephant Trek – The road that connects the service road at JT to the road along Crew and the Hospital will be shut down.
• Bear Line – Pathway will be temporarily modified for underground utility relocation work.
• Maintenance Shed & Switchgear will resume construction.

 Zoo Area Closures:

• If a Habitat is Closed and it is not listed on “The Daily” – Send me an e-mail so I can contact Visitor Experience and make sure we add it.

Animal Updates: 

• Africa

  • Maasai Bracelets
    • I have added one of the Masaai Bracelets into the Africa bin.  I have also printed off the flyer found below and will include that as well.
    • 
  • Ambassadors are receiving a lot of questions about Bibi and her pregnancy.  I have included the talking points below if anyone needs to review them.  I have also added this to the Content Binder.
    • BIBI Pregnancy Talking Points 
      • Bibi is pregnant!
      • Estimated due date is mid August.
      • Bibi’s first baby, Fiona, was born six weeks premature and wouldn’t have survived without the intervention of her human caregivers. We are hoping for a full-term pregnancy and will be doing everything we can to support Bibi.
      • Reproductive physiologists at the Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) are working with the hippo team and have started Bibi on hormone supplements.
      • CREW will also perform regular ultrasounds to monitor the growth and health of the fetus.
      • Fiona is not leaving. There is enough space for 3 adults and a calf.
      • When the calf is larger, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan will recommend the best place for the calf to go. That’s probably 3-4 years down the road.
      • Bibi was on a dose of birth control that had worked for her when she was with Henry for many months after Fiona was born. Most forms of contraception are not 100% effective for hippos or humans!
      • Fiona is also on birth control. Her care team hasn’t observed any of the behaviors that Bibi exhibits when she is cycling, and her age and size indicate that she’s not sexually mature. Birth control is an extra precaution for her.
      • Bibi is 23 and Tucker is 18.  Fiona is 5.
• • Elvis, the African Crowned Crane, is living with the Okapi.
  •  Zoey is back on habitat periodically throughout the day. Still limping
    some.
  • Nia, one of our Cat Ambassador Program Cheetahs, is celebrating her birthday on July 2nd.

• Elephant

No Additional Updates at this time

• Gorilla

No Additional Updates at this time

• Gorilla Troop Configurations:
  • M’Linzi & Mara
    • M’Linzi & Mara are continuing with Howdy Mesh and visual interactions with Ndume
  • Chewie, Gladys, Mona & Elle – “The Chew Crew”
  • Mshindi, Bandia & Tulivu

 

Daily Special: