Roll Call 5/9/22-5/15/22

Posted on By Amber Suttmiller

Roll Call Information 5/9/22-5/15/22

Brittany Update:

Summer Campers:

After taking a few years off during COVID, the Summer Campers are ready to come back and interpret at exhibits during summer during their camp times.  I will be speaking to all of you about this more as the time comes closer.  Starting Monday 5/30, 7th & 8th graders will be coming to the zones on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30am-10:15am to join you with visitor engagement, always with a Summer Camp Instructor or Education Employee.  These will be different groups each week.  If you have any other questions, or prefer not to have a student with you during your shift, please let me know.

*This is different than the Zoo Teen Program, more information on this program will be coming soon.

Remind your crew to sign up for a Ambassador Interpretive Training Date:

*These Interpretive Trainings are not Mandatory, but I strongly encourage ALL Habitat Ambassadors to sign up if they can.

Tuesday, 5/17/22 – 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Thursday, 6/2/22 – 10:00am-12:00pm

Saturday, 6/4/22 – 10:00am-12:00pm

Construction Updates:

No New Information at this time.

 

Animal Updates: 

  • Africa

    Please refer to the Avian Flu information for talking points if asked about why the Savannah birds are not in their habitat.

Message Below from Wendy, Head Africa Keeper:

“Glad the ostrich egg is making a splash! I’m working on filling a few ostrich egg shells with plaster of paris so that we can keep 2 or 3 on habitat for guests to see out in the savanna as well. If/when that happens, you can assure guests that they are indeed REAL ostrich eggs, but that they have been blown out and filled with plaster so that we don’t have rotting eggs sitting on habitat ready to be broken open and create a Charlotte’s web rotten egg (x 24 because of their volume) moment for all to enjoy. 😉

Hopefully we can get our birds back out soon because I’m sure we all agree on our end that this habitat is looking very empty these days.

Please pass our thanks and appreciation on to your volunteer staff! We really appreciate them being out there to interact with our guests and create some WOW moments. 😊”

  • Elephant

    Mai Thai’s tail is healing nicely and she is still receiving daily treatments.

Remind your Volunteers to check out the Barrow’s Lecture Video on the Volunteer Update so they can learn more about coexistence with Elephants.

 

  • Gorilla

We received an update from Ashley, Primate Keeper.  She stated that Chewie is currently participating in the “Howdy Mesh ” introductions with the youngsters and things are going well.  They will inform us as soon as the introductions move to the next level.  She also mentioned that there were rumors floating around the public stating that Gladys is being transferred to a new facility.  This is NOT true!  The Primate Team has not received any transfer reccomendations at this time.  If you do recieve questions about Gladys’ transfer, please make sure to get accurate information.

Additional Miscellaneous Animal Information:

  • Wallaby summer habitat is done. Wallabies will be on habitat  for three seasons.
  • Picnic shelters wrapping up by May 25.
  • Parking lot is moving along. Hoping to have 75% up and running by
    memorial day weekend.
  • The Galapagos Tortoise Encounter is now open!

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update:

 Thank You for stationing individuals in these areas, we have been getting rave reviews!  The AVIAN FLU Updates and Notes have been uploaded to MVP.  You can find the information in the FILES area.

We have been asked to station an Ambassador at the Bald Eagle Habitat and the South African Penguin Habitat to help direct visitors and answer questions.  We have found that although we have signs in the exhibits that give a quick explanation of the situation, visitors are misinterpreting and making comments like:

“Well, all the eagles have the Flu and are inside!”

-or-

“Oh Gosh, did you know that birds can give humans the flu?”

The Conservation Impact Team, as well as the Animal team, have come up with a “Quick Script” as well as an FAQ page that I will hand out for the individuals in this role to look over.  We want to make sure that our guests are not fearing birds and understand what is happening.

Daily Special:

Monday:  Swiss and Sautéed Mushroom Burger with Fries $8.99

Tuesday: Caprese salad: Buffalo Mozzarella, Sliced Tomatoes, Red Onion, Pesto And Arugula $6.99

Wednesday: Pulled Chicken Nachos  $7.99

Thursday: Roast beef, caramelized onions, horseradish mayo, and cheddar cheese, on a baguette with Chips $9.99

Friday: Bacon, Cheddar, Egg on Croissant with Tater Tots and Hollandaise $6.99

School Groups:

*As of 6:42am on Monday – no school groups were posted.  I will check again when I get into the office.

Tuesday
  •   52 Buses
  •   2,138 Students
  •   312 Chaperones
——
Wednesday
  •  56 Buses
  •  1898 Students
  •   259 Chaperones
—–
Thursday
  •   46 Buses
  •  1890 Students
  •  417 Chaperones
—–
Friday
    •  46 Buses
    •  1560 Students
    •   570 Chaperones
—–
Saturday
  •  1 Buses
  •  22 Students
  •   3 Chaperones
——
Sunday
  • No Reported School Groups