Roll Call Information 7/18/22-7/24/22

Brittany Update:

Link to “The Daily”:

Click Here to View the Daily Updates

 

Zoo Keeper Week:

This week is Zoo Keeper Week!  If you see a Keeper out on grounds, make sure you wish them a very Happy Zoo Keeper Week!  I have ordered a tray of cookies for each of the Habitat Ambassador Areas (Elephant, Africa & Gorilla) they will be delivered on Wednesday!  These trays of Cookies will come with a card from the Habitat Ambassador Team!  I also plan to give bags of individually wrapped candy to each animal area.  If you would like to contribute to the candy bags, please let me know…but there is no pressure.  I will be putting everything together for delivery at the end of the week.

Evaluation Follow Up Chats:

I will be in the office every weekday this week and available to chat.  I have only set up check-in times with the Wednesday and Friday Teams.  I will reach out individually to the other days to try to set up a time to talk with each of you.  Please come with your active roster so we can talk about if there have been any changes since the start of the season.

Wing of Wonder/Free Flight Aviary:

• Wings of Wonder:

  We have no coverage for the WOW shows Thursday – Sunday.   I will be sending out a reminder to everyone about these open shifts to see if anyone is interested in signing up.

• Free Flight Aviary:

There are open shifts on Thursday and Friday this week.  I will be sending out an e-mail about sign ups for the aviary as well.

Resources/Materials Update:

• Elephant Tooth & Hippo Tooth Tusk – I am still putting the finishing touches on the training before I put these out on exhibit.  As soon as I hear back from the keepers, I will get them out on the cart.

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.  UPDATE – The Campers will meet in the Habitats at 9:45am.  Please try your best to get there by 9:45 so they can make the most of the time they have with you.
• Teens will continue to join the Ambassadors on Fridays in Gorilla at 10am.

 

 Construction Updates:

• Swan lake will be partially drained next week to kick-off the new Carousel Project.
• I’ve added the construction and pump locations to the attached aerial view.
• The paver walkway from Administration to Siamang will remain open to all.
• Heavy Equipment and Material will only be accessing construction site via dotted blue pathway during Zoo Off-Hours.

• Powerhouse at Children’s Zoo – Utility Material has arrived.

• 7/20 Morning – We will be excavating and road plating pathway tomorrow AM. Pedestrian traffic should be restored by 9AM.

• 7/21 Morning – Utility work. We will try to complete scope by 9AM. If not, please be advised we may need to prolong the road closure.

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

  • No Additional Updates

• Elephant

  • No Additional Updates

• Gorilla

  • New Sustainable Palm Oil App.
    • https://www.waza.org/news/waza-palm-oil-scan-app/
    • I am working on getting an additional display to add to the Gorilla Habitat with a QR code you can scan to download the App.
  • Ndume Introductions
    • The Ndume Introductions continue to go well and the Primate team is so thankful for the extra help and attention this group has given during this transition period.
    • On Monday, Ndume was very active and the Primate Center Staff was encouraged to see the positive interactions between him and Mara.
    • All Barriers have been removed and the Primate Center Staff is confident that all pathways will remain open from here on out.
• Gorilla Troop Configurations:
  • Ndume, M’Linzi & Mara
  • Chewie, Gladys, Mona & Elle – “The Chew Crew”
  • Mshindi, Bandia & Tulivu

 

 Daily Special: