Roll Call Update 8/1/22-8/7/22

 

Wing of Wonder/Free Flight Aviary:

• Wings of Wonder:

No coverage on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.  If anyone can help on these days, please let me know.  They are now flying Ori in the program and need to make sure they have help to ensure the safety of Ori and all the other birds.

• Free Flight Aviary:

We are back to only 2 shifts in the Aviary.  There are open shifts on Thursday afternoon, Friday Mornings and Saturday/Sunday afternoon.  If anyone is interested in taking this shifts, please sign up in MVP.  If it is last minute coverage, let me know so I can inform the Bird Team.

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:

• New Carousel at Swan Lake work has begun. Demolition this week will be during off hours (Sunday through Thursday 5PM-Midnight) Carousel expected to be up and running by next March.
  • This Carousel will be twice the size of the current one.
• North America (formerly Bearline) – the fence has been pushed out due to High Voltage wiring work.  This will be temporary and will be moved back to the original location in the next few weeks.
  • People can still move through the area, but it is tighter.
  • Bearline – Utility rework involving local power shutdown potential this week during evening hours.
• Erkenbrecher Parking Lot Bridge: Ramps are currently under construction.  This work will continue through the next few weeks.  We are still on track to have the bridge completed for Festival of Lights.
• Power House at Children’s Zoo – walkway is still reduced and it is a rocky road.

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: I will send out follow up e-mails to each of the departments to give them an update and see if there is any information they would like to add.  I will add information to the update as I receive it.

• Africa

  • Bibi is considered to be at Full-Term!  We would happily welcome a baby hippo any day!
    • Bibi’s pregnancy is advancing but there are no impeding signs of labor.  Although there have been some recent changes:
      • Resting in the pool with hind end up the ramp instead of down.
      • Bibi is pushing Tucker and Fiona completely away from her side of the pool.
    • How will the keeper staff know that Bibi is in labor?  Signs of Labor we are on the lookout for:
      • Resting on her side
      • Extending her tail out as far as she can
      • She will stop eating on the day of or day before
      • Increased restlessness – rolling, lying down, getting up constantly, etc.
  • Rozi & Daisy are settling in at Cat Ambassador Program Facility with lots of exploration, play and relationship building.

• Elephant

  • Elephant Trek:  Construction is progressing.  Concrete is being poured at the site of the Elephant Barn.  Materials are in and Barn Construction will begin soon.  We are still on track to have the barn complete by next Fall.

• Gorilla

  • Ndume intros are still going well.  The Primate Center Staff has donesome modifications to the schedule for the extreme heat.
  • Gorilla Troop Configurations:  Ndume, M’Linzi & Mara — Chewie, Gladys, Mona & Elle – “The Chew Crew” — Mshindi, Bandia & Tulivu

• Miscellaneous

  • New Flamingo Chick was hatched on July 25th.  You can see the chick in the pool at the veldt.
  • Sloths are still doing well
    • They will likely be returning to their habitats in mid/late August

 

 Daily Special:

• Monday:
  • Pig Picken Fries-$12.99
    • French Fries Loaded with Pulled Pork, Carolina BBQ Sauce, Shredded Cheese, Green Onions and Jalapenos
• Tuesday
  • Cilantro Lime Riced Cauliflower and Beef Taco Bowl -$12.99
    • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, Seasoned Taco Meat, Queso Fresco, Pico De Gallo, Roasted Corn and Peppers, Tortilla Strips and Sour Cream
• Wednesday:
  • Shrimp Salad Sandwich-$13.99
    • Shrimp, Corn and Red Pepper Salad on Baguette with French Fries
• Thursday:
  • Brunch Club and Chips-$12.99
    • Ham, Cheddar, Boiled Egg, Cucumber, Shredded Iceberg, Tomato and Herb Aioli on Sourdough & Marble Rye
• Friday:
  • Chicken Enchiladas- $12.99
    • 3 Shredded Chicken and Cheddar Enchiladas, Sour Cream, Green Onions and Black Bean and Corn Salad