The Waterhole Archives - Page 27 of 35

We often tell stories about animals who have been brought together on breeding recommendations, like CMZoo North American porcupines, Kale and Quilliam, or Mexican wolves, Luna and Navarro. With the annual celebration of love just around the corner, we’re taking a closer look at how animal matches are made and how zoos work together to help species survive, long before the howdies begin.

“In a nutshell, Species Survival Plans support healthy genetics in animals in human care,” said Ashley Arimborgo, CMZoo registrar, who often oversees the coordination between Zoos that are transferring animals on breeding recommendations to and from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “Species Survival Plans contribute to the success of an assurance population of animal ambassadors that advocate for their wild relatives, and inspire people to support important conservation efforts.”

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is the standard-setting accreditation organization for zoos and aquariums in the U.S. The AZA champions Species Survival Plans (SSP) managed by SSP coordinators. SSP coordinators are professional volunteers who often work at AZA-accredited organizations, but don’t work for the AZA.

SSP coordinators work with Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG) which track five-year population projections for their respective species, including population trends for animals in human care and in the wild. Also instrumental in the matchmaking process are studbook keepers. They track the genetic data of each animal in human care (at organizations participating in SSPs) and bridge gaps in documentation. That data is collected and presented in graph form, with the most unrelated animals of the same species being the most valuable potential matches.

“It’s a pretty complicated process, but the matches are largely data-driven and based on genetics, health and age,” said Arimborgo.

Every two or three years, SSPs release species-specific breeding and transfer draft plans. Organizations that have animals impacted by the plan – known as holding institutions – provide input including whether or not the organization would like to transfer an animal or host animals to breed. Then, the plan is finalized and published to the participating organizations. Holding institutions work together to arrange animal transportation.

“It’s not unusual to see a big shuffle in a single species among participating organizations when a new plan is released,” said Arimborgo. “We saw that in the fall with Amur tigers because of new recommendations. Thimbu went to Rosamond Gifford Zoo on a breeding recommendation, and Savelii came to us on a match with Chewy.”

The SSP also tracks trends and genetics to address future potential pitfalls to a species’ survival. They may find one species has an abundance of older females and younger males, which could determine urgency of breeding or breeding prevention.

The team also works together to track available housing for future populations. If one species grows quickly, organizations participating in the SSP may run out of room to house additional individuals.

One example of that is the Mexican wolf. In the last two years, Luna and Navarro, CMZoo Mexican wolves who were introduced on an SSP breeding recommendation, welcomed six pups to their pack. One pup, Lupa, moved to an organization in Arizona in November 2018. The remaining seven Mexican wolves have brought CMZoo’s wolf habitat to its maximum capacity. Since other participating organizations don’t have room for more wolves either, the male and female wolves will live in separate areas during breeding season this year.

Beyond that, it’s up to each individual zoo to manage introductions and breeding interactions.

“The SSP breeding recommendations don’t typically take an animal’s individual personality or preferences into account.” said Arimborgo. “The keepers and management staff factor in individual histories as well as behaviors when introductions start taking place. Through careful observations and training, trust can be built and the stage can be set for the animals to be most successful. ”

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has welcomed a new red-necked wallaby to the mob! Australia Walkabout Lead Keeper, Bailey Jones, introduces us to the two-year-old male wallaby, P. Sherman, and provides an update on how introductions are going with CMZoo’s existing group of wallabies.

In December, nine members of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Teen Program traveled to Costa Rica. In line with CMZoo’s mission to inspire people to protect wild animals and wild places, this trip helped the teens experience the impact these protected wild places can have on people – and how people can impact wild places.

“We’ve seen how our Teen Program’s international trips refuel our teens’ conservation fire,” said Stacey Graham, director of CMZoo’s EdVenture Programs. “We always talk about thinking globally and acting locally. Trips, like this one to Costa Rica, really allow them to think globally because they can visualize it, smell it and feel it. They come home understanding better how their local environmental stewardship impacts these important wild places, which now mean even more to them.”

Lindsey Mitchell, a Junior Zookeeper, has been in the CMZoo Teen Program for seven years. She and eight other teens went to Costa Rica on this most recent trip.

“This experience has influenced my life and increased my love and care for the natural world and the animals and people who live in it,” Mitchell said. “Throughout the trip, we had so many amazing opportunities to see wildlife and experience the country to its fullest.”

The teens stayed in Costa Rica for ten days, contributing to rainforest conservation and exploring the natural places and native animals of the Central American country.

“Looking back on this experience, there are a few key moments that highlighted the trip for me,” Mitchell said. “One of those was on a hanging bridge above a fast-flowing river that contained caiman, in a rainforest that had howler monkeys, macaws and even aye-ayes. It was almost surreal. We also embraced the term ‘Pura Vida!’ which translates to ‘Pure Life’ in English. Costa Ricans used that phrase a lot, and I think it helped me immerse myself in every experience.”

The teens also participated in a reforestation project, which Mitchell says was the highlight of her trip.

“We were sweaty and covered in dirt, but we were all able to say that we helped migratory birds in Costa Rica by planting trees to create a corridor for them to travel,” she said. “This trip has influenced me in many different ways. Looking back, I think I am able to look at conservation through a new lens. I have been lucky enough to see and talk to people in Costa Rica whose lives revolve around the protection of animals and the environment. Now I can share my experience and the love for the natural world that was projected on me during my time there. The trip was a life-changing experience for me and all of the other teens on the trip. Pura Vida!”

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Teen Program is accepting applications for their summer program, beginning February 1. More information and applications are available at cmzoo.org/teenprograms.

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CMZoo North American porcupines, Kale and Quilliam, were united in late 2018 on a breeding recommendation. Rocky Mountain Wild Keeper, Allison Rosing, gives an update on how the two are getting along and how Kale is participating in training, in case any porcupettes (baby porcupines) are in our future!

In October, we told you about a recent health scare with Roxie, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s eldest Western lowland gorilla. Since then, CMZoo animal care and veterinary teams have been monitoring Roxie, and making decisions about the future of her care.

The 43-year-old female became lethargic and refused to eat or drink in early October 2019. CMZoo veterinary team and keepers immobilized Roxie the morning of October 6. At the CMZoo vet clinic, Roxie’s examination included whole-body x-rays and ultrasounds. She was given IV fluids and supportive medications that helped address any infection that may have been present. The examinations revealed multiple medical conditions, the most concerning of which was a suspected infection of Roxie’s reproductive tract. Throughout her life, Roxie has dealt with kidney issues and ulcer-like cysts that have caused gastrointestinal and reproductive system complications. The exam also revealed age-related changes, including arthritis.

While she was under anesthesia, Roxie suffered a cardiac arrest and was brought back to life with CPR and emergency drugs. Since then, Roxie has been mostly stable – except for a couple of days when she had very little appetite.

“We’re taking into consideration her quality of life for her remaining time with us,” said Dr. Jon Romano, head veterinarian at CMZoo. “We don’t want her to suffer, so we’re weighing the benefits and the risks that medical procedures would have on her and the troop. Gorillas are extremely social and Roxie’s immobilizations, hospitalizations and recovery periods require separation, which can be stressful for her and her troopmates. On a daily basis, she seems active and comfortable. There’s no cookie-cutter approach. We’re taking a lot of factors into account and will ultimately do what’s best for the troop.”

For now, Roxie is receiving medications to address her ongoing issues, but her care team has made the decision not to provide extreme medical intervention going forward. This is a difficult decision for her team, but is in the best interest of Roxie – one of CMZoo’s longest living and most iconic residents.

“If her episodes continue and increase in frequency, we would consider what’s best for Roxie and whether humane euthanasia is the best course of action for her,” said Dr. Romano. “It’s hard to say what our course of action will be, because it will be based on how Roxie is doing at the time. But, we’re no longer pursuing extensive diagnostic medical procedures.”

Heidi Eaton, Primate World animal keeper, has worked with Roxie for 25 years.

“She’s been doing great lately, but we’re being realistic about the fact that her condition could shift at any time,” said Eaton. “She’s on daily medication for age-related issues and the medical challenges she’s experienced throughout her life. The fact that she’s had these ongoing issues and she’s still with us is pretty amazing. She still seems to enjoy life and spending time with the female gorillas and Goma [CMZoo silverback]. As long as she’s doing that, it’s great for her and the troop. But, I also agree with the decision that there’s not necessarily a need for stressful heroics at this point in her life. She is older and it’s not worth putting her through additional testing or exploratory surgeries.”

The median life expectancy for female Western lowland gorillas is 38 years. Her team will continue their dedicated work to keep Roxie comfortable as long as possible with medical treatments that lessen the severity of her symptoms.

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We’ve created a CMZoo 2020 Bucket List! As a new decade approaches, see how many of these unique experiences you can check off the list.

Ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride – Our one-of-a-kind chair lift takes you high up above the exhibits, for a true bird’s eye view of our mountain zoo, Colorado Springs and the eastern plains. It’s open year-round, weather permitting. May 1 through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ride starting at 4:30 p.m. September through April the Mountaineer Sky Ride runs weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last ride starting at 3:30 p.m. Daytime Sky Ride membership passes can be purchased. With admission to the Zoo, combo package tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children, or $5 for adults and $3 for children at the Sky Ride booth.

Mountaineer Sky Ride view looking east to the plains from seats above

Feed an Elephant – Have you ever been close enough to an 8,000-pound elephant to feel its breath on your hand? You can do that at CMZoo! For $10 or $15 (depending on how much you’d like to feed them), March through October, you can participate in scheduled elephant feedings. Check cmzoo.org/shows for a complete schedule of animal demonstrations.
Ride the Carousel – Feel the wind in your hair on our historic carousel. Built circa 1926 and acquired by Spencer Penrose from the Allan Herschell Company of New York to be installed in 1937, it has become a cherished feature of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Have a Slice at Pizza with a View – This place might change your mind about the food options available at popular attractions. Aptly named “Pizza with a View” for its breathtaking scenery, this European-style pizzeria serves hand-made pizzas, salads, local craft beer, wine and dessert. It’s open year-round from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and gluten-friendly, vegetarian and vegan options are available.
See the Grizzly Bear Demonstration – At one of our most popular animal demonstrations, you’ll learn all about Digger and Emmett, CMZoo’s two male grizzly bears. The demonstrations take place daily at 2:45 p.m. in Rocky Mountain Wild, named Fifth Best Zoo Exhibit in the U.S. in 2019 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice. Keepers work with one grizzly through a fence, mere feet away from guests, while another keeper trains with the second grizzly bear to demonstrate their flexibility, strength, speed and other natural behaviors.
Attend an Evening Event – From our popular family events, like our Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo, and our holiday lights display, Electric Safari, to our 21-and-up events throughout the year, our evening events offer a new perspective of the Zoo, as well as a tradition for our community. Find out more at cmzoo.org/events.
Feed the Giraffe Herd – Perhaps our most popular activity, feeding the giraffe is a must-do for anyone visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Regardless of the weather, guests can feed our giraffe herd for $3 to $5 per bundle of lettuce. Once you’ve been licked by an 18-inch giraffe tongue, your life will never be the same.
Experience a WildNight – Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to have the Zoo to yourself after the sun goes down? WildNights are sleepover programs that include dinner, giraffe feeding, a guided evening tour, an up-close animal encounter at The Loft, a guided morning tour and admission to the Zoo for the following day. Sign up for a scheduled WildNight or create a sleepover of your own at cmzoo.org/wildnight.
Take an Outdoor School Class – CMZoo’s Outdoor School offers hands-on and interactive experiences and programs for people interested in connecting with nature, the outdoors, and their families. Classes occur on Zoo grounds, or offsite in other nature-based environments. The focus is less on animals at the Zoo and more on the powerful impacts nature has on us. For a full schedule of upcoming classes, visit cmzoo.org/outdoorschool.

Feed an African Rhino – For $10 or $15 (depending on how much you’d like to feed him), March through October, you can feed and get to know Jumbe, 16-year-old CMZoo African rhino. Visit cmzoo.org/shows for a complete schedule of animal demonstrations and feeding opportunities.
Watch the American Alligator Keeper Talk – Daily at 11 a.m. in Australia Walkabout, meet CMZoo’s gator keepers. Visit CMZoo’s three American alligators at their heated pool and rocks, to learn about their incredible intelligence and unusual digestive characteristics.
Take a V.I.P. Tour – If you’re looking for an extra-special behind-the-scenes experience, a CMZoo V.I.P. Tour may be for you! The V.I.P. experience includes admission to the Zoo for the day, a guided overview of the Zoo (from a golf cart), a Safari Trail tour of African Rift Valley or an exploration of The Loft, giraffe feeding and three behind-the-scenes animal encounters with participating animals of your choice. More information is available at cmzoo.org/viptour.
Attend World Giraffe Day – CMZoo hosts animal awareness events throughout the year, but one of our most popular is World Giraffe Day. It’s annually held on the longest day of the year to salute our longest necked animals in the world – June 21. The Zoo plans events throughout the day, including special enrichment activities and training programs with the giraffe herd.
Get Face-to-Face with an Orangutan – Visit CMZoo’s six orangs in Primate World. The great apes enjoy engaging with guests through glass that allows guests and Primate World residents to interact just inches away. Twice daily throughout the year, orangutans can participate in training and keeper demonstrations, where guests can get to know their personalities, learn about their family dynamics and witness their impressive intelligence.
Participate in the Chicken Parade at My Big Backyard – Consistently a favorite guest experience is the chicken parade, which occurs each morning and evening on warmer days throughout the year. Keepers invite guests to help the 18 chickens, of various unique breeds, parade from their overnight roost to their yard in My Big Backyard.
Feed a Domestic Goat – For $1, guests can feed our domestic goats, probably like never before. A bike-tire-and-pulley system allows guests to fill a cup with feed, which the goats can raise to a 20-foot platform where they stand by turning the bicycle wheel.
Splurge on a Behind-the-Scenes Encounter – Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes at the Zoo, to participate in an animal training session, or even feed your favorite animal ambassador? Make memories with friends, family and our animals and staff by scheduling an encounter. North American river otters, African elephants, African lions, Amur tigers, orangutans and more can participate in these encounters. See the details at cmzoo.org/encounter.
Earn Bragging Rights at Run to the Shrine – May 16, 2020 is CMZoo’s annual Run to the Shrine – a four-mile walk/run through the Zoo, on breathtaking forest roads, to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. It’s the only day of the year that people can access the road on foot. And, if the views don’t take your breath away, the impressive 1,000-foot elevation gain will. More information at cmzoo.org/run (Early registration begins Jan. 30!)
Spend a Snow Day at the Zoo – Ask any CMZoo staff member – snow days at America’s mountain Zoo are magical. They usually occur during winter months, when guests can take advantage of Value Days admission pricing. Plus, smaller crowds mean guests get even more individual attention from our outgoing and engaging staff. Many animals, like mountain lions, Canada lynx and river otters, get a little extra spring in their step during cooler temperatures, too.
Attend a Wolf Feeding and Keeper Talk – These scheduled feedings are your best bet for seeing CMZoo’s endangered Mexican wolf pack up close. Because we intentionally keep our wolves as wild as possible, you won’t see wolves training with their keepers. But, at feeding time, keepers will help you get to know the pack dynamic, and tell you all about their tight bonds and what you can do to help restore this endangered species in the wild.

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Many people wonder how we find the amazing staff who care for our animals. What are their backgrounds? What makes them qualified? How do they work together? Just as our year-round sponsor, Children’s Hospital Colorado, shares tips on choosing great child care, we’re sharing what we look for in the incredible folks who care for our animals and how their positions support each other.

It takes a lot of dedicated people to make sure Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s animals receive the best possible care, whether that’s ensuring the animals are physically and mentally stimulated, their habitats are clean and engaging, their diets support their nutritional needs, and any medical issues are addressed.

In addition to having the skills and experience necessary to care for our animals, our animal department staff is passionate about helping guests get to know the animals. Our goal is always to help people make personal connections with animals, which we hope will inspire them to take action to protect species in the wild.

From keeper assistants to keepers and lead keepers, animal care managers and more, our team members’ animal care experience varies, but attention to guest service is a trait CMZoo values just as equally.

“Our animal department team members have a variety of experience, but all have experience working with animals and the public,” said Jeff Halter, vice president of animal collections. “We look for people who are passionate about animals and people. It makes our searches for candidates somewhat difficult, because some people who get into this field are there for the animals and might not immediately see the importance of helping people care about them as much as we do. That may make you a successful candidate for other organizations, but not here. The passion here has to be for connecting guests and animals.”

Although that combination of skills can be hard to find, it’s vital for reaching our organization’s goals. Our animal care staff is a unique group of people who can comfortably communicate with people and animals, while being able to act calmly under pressure and work in challenging physical environments.

“When we interview potential new team members, I’m looking for qualities that your parents probably taught you. ‘Be a good person. Be nice. Share.’” said Halter. “You need to have worked with mostly exotic animals, and also have similar philosophies about how animals in human care are managed. Your background and experience need to align with ours, so that we can trust that your assumptions about how we’d like you to manage something without immediate managerial input are correct.”

Keeper assistants are there to help animal keepers with day-to-day tasks, like feeding, preparing enrichment for animals, and preparing and distributing animals’ diets. Handling these tasks allows keepers to focus on animal training behaviors and demonstrations that help connect guests with animals. Keepers are fundamental in monitoring animal welfare and relaying any issues to veterinary staff and management, so decision makers are connected and can act quickly to address those issues.

Lead keepers maintain a bigger picture of what needs to occur daily in their animals’ areas. They set goals and work with managers, keeper assistants and their fellow keepers to make sure projects are being completed. They also act as a voice to relay animal updates and direction between managers and keepers.

Animal care managers each oversee multiple animal areas. For example, one manager oversees Monkey Pavilion and Primate World, while another oversees Australia Walkabout, Rocky Mountain Wild and Asian Highlands. They also manage the keepers in those areas, handling their schedules, training and more.

They’re also focused on working with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Taxon Advisory Groups – which examine the sustainability and conservation needs of entire taxa and develop recommendations for population management and conservation based upon the needs of the species and AZA-accredited institutions. They’re also responsible for working with each species’ AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) to make sure we’re following breeding recommendations and transporting or receiving animals, based on those recommendations. As part of their work with SSPs, they manage the introductions of animals to each other to support breeding or companionship plans.

“People who are successful at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are positive, solutions-oriented people,” said Halter. “You have to have the ability to work as a team, sharing your experiences and skills with others to help us all grow as an organization. We become leaders in our field by doing the good work here and sharing it, so it will spill over and impact the greater Zoo profession.”

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There’s a new fuzzy face in My Big Backyard: Hutch, the eight-month-old Virginia opossum! Opossums might get a bad rap, but they eat thousands of ticks in the wild, which can help prevent the spread of disease to other mammals, including humans.

Opossums are important members of our ecosystem and can be found right here in Colorado’s wild places. Hutch lives in the window habitat between the turkey and chicken yards in My Big Backyard. He’s a nocturnal mammal who usually looks like a ball of fluff, as he sleeps through most of the day. His keepers often take him out to enjoy some fresh air or to do some training in The Loft. You might see him out and about during these times.

Hutch is quickly learning lots of new ways to interact with guests. He recently debuted as a ZOOMobile animal and brings smiles to guests outside of the Zoo.

If you want a chance to meet, touch, and help train with Hutch, you can schedule a special animal encounter with him. This is a guaranteed way to interact up close with this incredible guy.

Hutch is just one of many animals with which you can schedule special encounters. Maybe you have a love for raptors and meeting Hoosier, the barn owl, is on your bucket list. Are large aquatic mammals your favorite? Then Ginger the beaver would love to meet you! Perhaps reptiles are more your speed. If so, then a snake like Rustle, a bullsnake, or a lizard like Wasabi, a prehensile-tailed skink, can be your new animal best friends. Just visit https://www.cmzoo.org/encounter to find out about all the amazing animals ready to meet you!

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This summer Cheyenne Mountain Zoo launched a new program to help connect people of all ages with the outdoors. CMZoo’s Outdoor School offers hands-on and interactive experiences and programs for people interested in connecting with nature, the outdoors, and their families. Classes engage the whole person (physically, mentally and emotionally) and develop a stronger connection with our natural world. Outdoor School classes occur on Zoo grounds, or offsite in other nature-based environments. The focus is less on animals at the Zoo and more on the powerful impacts nature has on us.

Winter classes include:

– Animal Portrait Photography: An introductory photography class focusing on animals. Use your cell phone or your DSLR camera to capture up-close photos of some of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s residents. Two professional photographers will mentor you through the process. From composition to lighting, they will help fine-tune your new skill.

– The WILD Series: Look for classes for women, families, or kids with WILD in the title and you’ll be sure to have a great time outside! WILD Women hikes are in the works as well as WILD Families nature play groups. Activities include hiking, fort building, nature games, track making and more! WILD kids series is in the works, and we’ll share more about it soon.

– Utilitarian Basket Weaving: Get creative while you learn to weave a beautiful and functional basket that fits your lifestyle. Spend time learning the history, reviewing terminology, and walking through the process of weaving a basket to completion. You’ll have two full days to put your creativity to the test as you finish the course with a completed basket to take home and put to use!

These classes are just a small sampling of what to expect from the Outdoor School. Classes like wilderness photography, family hikes, primitive shelter building, primitive fire building, bird banding and more are soon to be listed as class options. Be sure to visit cmzoo.org/outdoorschool to see what is currently offered and sign up for a class that excites you!

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In October and November 2019, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo joined Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching School and other worldwide partners to support Uganda Wildlife Authority in establishing a new population of critically endangered Nubian giraffe.

CMZoo VP of Mission and Programs, Dr. Liza Dadone, traveled to Uganda to assist with the reintroduction of 15 giraffe to an historic habitat where they haven’t existed in nearly 25 years. Dr. Dadone assisted with research and anesthesia, and provided care for the giraffe during the translocation from Murchison Falls National Park to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

“The reintroduction of this founding population of Nubian giraffe to Pian Upe is important because the established population in Murchison Falls is facing threats due to oil exploration, road development for drilling vehicles and other human impact issues, like snaring,” said Dr. Dadone. “The population is also dealing with a skin disease, which we have been studying and were able to do additional research on while we were there for the translocation.”

Uganda Wildlife Authority protects and monitors the Nubian giraffe in Murchison Falls National Park. When oil was recently discovered in the park and construction to support drilling began, Dr. Robert Aruho, Uganda Wildlife Authority senior wildlife veterinarian, coordinated with partners to lead the effort to establish the population in Pian Upe, a protected wildlife reserve.

Uganda Wildlife Authority identified giraffe from the population in Murchison Falls National Park that were ideal for establishing the new population. The giraffe would need to be young and healthy, but old enough that they weren’t dependent on their mothers’ milk.

After identifying key members of the population, the team went into the park to capture them. The process involves locating the giraffe, administering anesthesia, reversing the anesthesia, doing a quick health assessment, collecting blood and flies from the giraffe, and then fixing guiding ropes and a harness to the giraffe. All of this happens within a few minutes.

“Members of the team have to be quick once the giraffe is down, because it’s dangerous for the giraffe to be under anesthesia for very long,” said Dr. Dadone. “While a few members of the team hold the giraffe, others apply a blindfold and put cotton in the giraffe’s ears to minimize stimulation and keep the giraffe as calm as possible. At the same time, we administer the anesthesia reversal; take blood, fecal and skin samples; and document other measurements that we use to advance care for giraffe in the wild and in human care.”

Dr. Dadone and Dr. Matt Johnston, from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching School, are part of a team studying a skin disease found in wild giraffe. They also expanded their ongoing studies of field anesthesia, which will be shared with organizations internationally. The anesthesia research continues to make field immobilizations safer for giraffe.

Once the giraffe wakes up from anesthesia, it is guided by ropes onto a trailer and transported to a boma – a temporary holding paddock where the giraffe are monitored and prepared for their trip to Pian Upe.

“While they’re in the boma, we’re bringing in additional giraffe to transport and are monitoring their health before the trip,” said Dr. Dadone. “The time in the boma also gives the giraffe an opportunity to bond. They’re social animals and the trip can be less stressful for a group of giraffe rather than an individual.”

One of the giraffe selected to establish the Pian Upe population is a young male named Mr. Kevin, who the team quickly realized could make an ideal founding father.

“Mr. Kevin is one of the largest males in the founding group,” said Dr. Dadone. “After a day in the boma, we saw him representing himself well with the females, so we’re optimistic he will be a great founding father for this new population.”

The trip from Murchison Falls National Park to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is about 300 miles. Because of flooding on portions of unpaved roads along the way, each of the three trips took between 12 and 16 hours.

“We experienced quite a bit of flooding along the way to Pian Upe,” said Dr. Dadone. “There were times the trailer got stuck in the mud, and we had to be towed out. The bright side was that some of the locals got more time to see the giraffe in the truck. Many people think giraffe are everywhere in Africa, but they’re not. Giraffe are locally extinct in seven countries, and a lot of local people have never seen them before, so in a way, this group of giraffe served as ambassadors for their species along the way, too.”

After the arduous travel, the giraffe were released, five at a time, into the protected Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in Eastern Uganda.

“Watching the giraffe leave the trailer and run free into their new home was such a joyous moment,” said Dr. Dadone. “We’re hopeful this new population will thrive in their new home, providing Nubian giraffe another population and a better chance at survival.”

Having multiple populations of the same subspecies helps avoid what Dr. Dadone calls having, “all of your eggs in one basket.” Geographically diversifying populations means that if one location succumbs to disease or habitat destruction, the subspecies will live on in another region.

Our contribution to this effort is possible thanks to ongoing support from our CMZoo members, guests and donors. Through our Quarters for Conservation program, each ticket to the Zoo raises 75 cents to support wildlife conservation around the world. CMZoo guests and members contribute half a million dollars annually to critical conservation projects, like Operation Twiga, simply by visiting the Zoo.

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