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Polar Bites Takes the Chill Off Winter Blahs
 A wonderful evening was had by all at this year’s Polar Bites, hosted by the ProZoo Board. The Zoo wishes to thank Accessium Consulting, M&T Bank, 97 Rock, Classic Hits 104.1, 103.3 The Edge, MyTV, Fox 29, Buffalo Spree and the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for their generous sponsorship of the event. We also extend a special thanks to our volunteers and to the individuals and businesses who donated goods to our basket and silent auctions. More than $35,000 was raised, with proceeds of the event directly benefiting the Buffalo Zoo. The evening would not have been such a roaring success without the outstanding generosity of the establishments listed below. Thanks to all! Generous participants included:
Bravo! Cucina Italiana
Brodo
Bruno's Market Pizzeria
Buffalo Brew Pub
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Cookie Cutters Bake Shop
Creekview Restaurant
Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
Fiamma Steak
Freedom Run Winery
Fulkerson Winery
Global Group Wine & Spirits
Gourmet Sorbet
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Greek Goddess Products, Inc.
Hard Rock Café
Hyde Park Prime Steak House
IHOP
Jack Astor's Bar & Grill
Johnson Estate Winery
Just Pizza
Labatt USA - Dundee Ales & Lagers
Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream
Lebro's Restaurant
Long Trail Brewing Company
Merge
Merritt Estate Winery
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Old Orchard Inn
Passport Wine & Liquor
Rich's Catering
Rich's Red Brick Market
Risa's Deli & Catering
Southern Wine & Spirits
Spa Go of WNY
The Advantage Company
The Gourmet Store
The Spa & Salon at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
The Wine Thief
The Winery at Marjim Manor
White Springs Farm Estate Winery
Wilson Farms
Yancey's Fancy
The Hard Rock Cafe is partnering with the Buffalo Zoo
 The worldwide reknown restaurant chain has created a special commemorative pin to honor the Buffalo Zoo. New releases in the Hard Rock Cafe pin series quickly become hard to find collectors' items and we expect this one to be no different. This limited edition 2010 Buffalo Zoo Pin is available at the Niagara Falls, NY Hard Rock Café, located on Prospect Avenue in the Falls, just across the street from Niagara Falls State Park. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Buffalo Zoo. For more information, call the Hard Rock at 716-282-0007.
Female Gorilla, “Kwizera,” Moves to the Memphis Zoo
 Buffalo, NY– Kwizera, one of the Buffalo Zoo’s four female gorillas, has found a new home at the Memphis Zoo.
Kwizera, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, left the Buffalo Zoo early Friday morning and was transferred to Memphis on a breeding loan. This is the first time the Memphis Zoo has partnered with another zoo on a gorilla breeding loan in more than 30 years.
Accompanied by Buffalo Zoo veterinarian Dr. Kurt Volle, as well as Memphis Zoo primate keeper Nancy Charles, Kwizera was safely received at the Memphis Zoo where she is reported to be doing well.
Kwizera will be off exhibit for approximately one month and then will be introduced to the Memphis Zoo’s two female gorillas, Kebara and Penny. Once they have established a strong bond, the group will also be integrated with the male, Mwelu.
Already proven to be a good mother to daughter Sidney, who remains at the Buffalo Zoo, it is hoped that Kwizera and Mwelu will produce offspring to help secure this endangered species’ future. Kwizera’s pairing with Mwelu was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) through the gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP). This program is designed to maintain genetic diversity within gorilla populations housed in zoos.
The Buffalo Zoo has also received a breeding recommendation for Kwizera’s daughter, Sidney, and male, Koga, who was transferred from the Memphis Zoo in 2007. While Koga gets along well with females Becky (Kwizera’s sister) and Lily (Kwizera’s niece), Sidney has quickly become his favorite.
Since 1990, nine surviving gorilla babies have been born at the Buffalo Zoo. The most recent birth was Lily, who was born in 2000.
Update: Confiscated Endangered Turtles Now On Exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo
 Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to announce that two endangered yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles, brought to the Buffalo Zoo by Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) authorities in April, are now on exhibit in the Reptile House.
The yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) were kept in mandatory quarantine at the Buffalo Zoo to ensure that they were healthy and safe enough to be introduced to other animals in the Zoo’s collection. After receiving approval by the Zoo’s veterinarian, the turtles were also recently exhibited in a mini-zoo held at Canisius College as part of the school’s biology program.
The turtles were confiscated by the DEC from an illegal animal trader in the White Plains area as part of an undercover investigation called “Operation Shellshock.” The investigation uncovered a lucrative, international black market for poaching and selling native, protected New York species. More than 2,400 individual turtles, snakes and salamanders were involved in the documented crimes. Charges were filed against 18 individuals or companies for 14 felonies, 11 misdemeanors and dozens of violations.
Buffalo Zoo visitors can view the turtles inside the Reptile House. They are currently housed in a mixed-species exhibit with the emerald tree boa.
WNED’S “WESTERN NEW YORK A TO Z” SPOTLIGHTS The Buffalo Zoo; OTHER LOCAL CULTURAL TREASURES
Premiere Broadcast is December 1 on WNED-TV
 Buffalo, NY – Z is for The Buffalo Zoo! The Buffalo Zoo is among the unique historical and cultural attractions highlighted in WESTERN NEW YORK A TO Z, WNED’s latest television production premiering on Tuesday, December 1 at 8 p.m. Through a series of “video postcards,” the program profiles diverse sites or regionally significant events ― one corresponding to each letter of the alphabet (see complete list below).
“Like the other attractions on the list, the Buffalo Zoo has a rich history,” said Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO. “We’re very pleased to be included in this wonderful program that celebrates what makes our region so unique.”
From the amusing to the profound, viewers learn about nearby places they can visit to experience kazoo-making, pop art by Andy Warhol, the plight of escaping slaves and Theodore Roosevelt’s first moments as president. One-of-a-kind items featured include the world’s oldest working fireboat (the Edward M. Cotter) and Mark Twain’s original manuscript for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
“The best part of producing this special was getting to see all the great places in this region — from some of the well-known locations like the Buffalo Zoo and Albright Knox Art Gallery, to some of the real unknown gems like the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum and the Original Kazoo Company,” said Andy Grant, who produced the program with WNED’s Chief Program and Production Officer John Grant. “It was wonderful to have this opportunity to really discover all the things Western New York has to offer.”
“This program is just one more example of WNED’s commitment to using the power and resources of public broadcasting to share our community treasures,” said WNED President and CEO Donald K. Boswell. “I am particularly proud that so many of the museums and activities in “A TO Z” offer a special appeal for students and families. Working together as a community, we can help instill a sense of pride and connection to place for future generations.”
Major funding for WESTERN NEW YORK A TO Z is provided by the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, Beechwood Continuing Care and the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation, with additional funding provided by Key Bank.
“The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to once again partner with WNED on a production of exceptional quality and value to our community,” said Edward J. Healy, Vice President of Marketing for the CVB. “WESTERN NEW YORK A TO Z is just the most recent in a long line of community-minded productions that explore Buffalo’s cultural richness. We are proud to support WNED’s efforts to tell these stories to the large and receptive public television audience.”
WNED’s recent productions include several highlighting the significance of the region [for example, Elbert Hubbard: An American Original (2009), Remembering Crystal Beach Park (2008); Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo (2006), Niagara Falls (2006), The Adirondacks (2008) and Fort Niagara: The Struggle for a Continent (2004)]. Projects on the Chautauqua Institution and The War of 1812 are currently in development.
OFFICIAL BARN RAISING TAKES PLACE FOR THE BUFFALO ZOO’S NEW DELTA SONIC HERITAGE FARM
 Buffalo, NY – On Tuesday, November 3, Erie County Executive Chris Collins and other local officials joined Buffalo Zoo President and CEO, Donna M. Fernandes, Ph.D. as the walls of a historic barn were raised at the Buffalo Zoo. The barn will be incorporated into the Zoo’s new Delta Sonic Heritage Farm, scheduled to open in the spring.
The Delta Sonic Heritage Farm will be the first project built as part of Phase II of the Buffalo Zoo’s master plan. The family-friendly exhibit will recreate a historic farm from the mid-1800s and will replace the current Children’s Zoo. This Erie Canal-era homestead will feature heritage breeds of domestic animals and include an adjacent wetlands and a historic replica of an Erie Canal lock.
Major funding for this project came from a public/private partnership, which included leadership gifts from Erie County, The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, The Benderson Family and Delta Sonic and the NxGen Program of the East Hill Foundation.
The 35’ x 45’ historic barn was donated to the Buffalo Zoo by David Homes President David Stapleton and his family. The donation was made not only to save this historic structure from being demolished as new properties are built in its place, but also to ensure that the community can learn about the significance of the Erie Canal era.
Buffalo Zoo Saddened By Death of Giraffe
 Buffalo, NY – Members of the Buffalo Zoo staff are saddened by the death of Akili, a 13-year-old female reticulated giraffe, who passed away Wednesday evening.
The initial necropsy findings were inconclusive regarding the cause of death. Samples are being sent to several diagnostic laboratories for further testing. Final necropsy results will not be available for several weeks.
Akili, who appeared to be in good health until Wednesday, was unable to stand when keepers found her at 7:00 a.m. Keepers, the Zoo’s senior veterinarian and a local large mammal veterinarian, in consultation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) giraffe veterinary advisor, worked quickly to treat the animal. This included administering IV fluid therapy, medications to stabilize muscle-cell membranes and reduce inflammation and antibiotics to treat any infections that may have contributed to her sudden decline. In giraffes, the inability to stand is generally associated with a poor prognosis. Attempts were made to raise Akili in a sling. She passed away at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Akili was born at the Buffalo Zoo on November 15, 1996. She stood 15 feet tall and weighed approximately 1,400 pounds. During her lifetime, she gave birth to two calves— a male, on August 9, 2006 (who now lives at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin) and a female, on January 10, 2009. Despite the passing of her mother, keepers report that the calf, who is weaned, is doing well and her behavior remains unchanged.
Akili was very popular with Zoo personnel and will be greatly missed.
***Please note that the Buffalo Zoo’s Giraffe House is OPEN to the public. Visitors can view the other members of the giraffe herd.
Backyard Party Supply Helps Lighten the Load For the Buffalo Zoo
 Buffalo, NY— Backyard Party Supply owner, Michael Schweikowsky, generously donated a reconditioned golf cart (worth approximately $1,400) to the Buffalo Zoo on Wednesday, October 7.
The golf cart will be used to help assist the Zoo’s development and marketing staff. This department oversees all of the Zoo’s fundraising and added-value events.
Located at 1924 S. Park Ave. in Buffalo, Backyard Party Supply works to make the most of their customers’ rentals by providing tents, inflatables, dunk tanks, dance floors, games, food machines and more. Michael Schweikowsky started the company in 1994 out of a one car garage with a few tents. Over the years, it has expanded greatly. In addition to providing top-notch customer service, giving back to the community by supporting local youth sports teams and non-profit organizations also remains a top priority.
Buffalo Zoo Says Goodbye to Beloved Elephant, Buki
 “Buki,” one of the Buffalo Zoo’s beloved Asian elephants, has died at the age of 52. A long-time resident, she was a favorite among visitors and a special friend to Zoo staff. Keepers were present when she passed away at 5:40 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2009.
Although Buki had begun to show her age over the last few years, she recently experienced a reduction in appetite, leading to significant weight loss. Upon the advice of elephant nutritionists, keepers made several modifications to her diet to make it more suitable to an aging animal.
Results of all medical tests showed a change in her kidney function. The Zoo’s veterinary staff, in consultation with elephant experts in the United States and Canada, administered medication to improve her digestion, alleviate discomfort and reduce the likelihood of secondary infections. Supplemental oral fluids and regular IV fluids were also provided to support hydration and electrolyte balance.
Throughout her illness, Buki maintained social interactions with the Zoo’s other elephants, Jothi and Surapa. She also remained good-natured with her dedicated keepers and veterinary staff and accepted her treatments very well.
Hundreds of get well wishes poured in from the community, for which Zoo staff is very grateful. Keepers read the cards to Buki each morning. The cards are on display in the windows of the Elephant House, as well as the window across from the facility (by Sea Lion Cove).
A necropsy will be conducted; however, results will not be available for several weeks. A study conducted by Wiese and Willis published in the August 2004 issue of the journal Zoo Biology found that the average life expectancy for female Asian elephants in professionally managed zoological facilities is 44.8 years. The life expectancy values are similar to the life expectancy of wild elephants.
Born in the wild in her native Thailand, the earliest known records show she was brought to the United States in 1959, where she became a member of the King Bros. Circus. In 1961, Buki, known as “Sheba” during her days in the circus, began performing with several other elephants in the Cristiani-Wallace Circus, run by Pete Cristiani. She remained there until 1963 when Remo Cristiani added her as a member of his circus. Buki retired from the circus world in 1984.
To ensure that she received proper treatment and care for the remainder of her life, Buki was then brought to the Buffalo Zoo. There, she was introduced to her new elephant friend, “Lulu” (who passed away in 1992). Younger elephants, Jothi and Surapa, arrived from the Arignar Zoo in Madras, India and joined the pair in 1987.
At the Buffalo Zoo, Buki spent her time eating hay, along with vegetables and fruits, particularly watermelon—one of her favorite treats. The matriarch of the elephant trio, Buki, a gentle giant, was a wonderful ambassador for her species. She was the former star of the ever-popular, “Bathtime With Buki” demonstration, which took place in the Buffalo Zoo’s W.I.L.D. Place during the summer season. During this demonstration, visitors were given the opportunity to help scrub Buki, who especially loved getting rubbed behind the ears. Keepers also used this time to talk to visitors about elephants and how they can help secure this endangered species’ future.
Buki is survived by fellow elephant herd members, Jothi and Surapa, the Buffalo Zoo staff and the Western New York Community.
TIME WARNER CABLE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY AT BUFFALO ZOO
BPS Students Paint Pictures of Zoo’s Tigers, Learn about Animal Conservation Efforts
 BUFFALO, NY- September 25, 2009 – Time Warner Cable, the nation’s second-largest cable television operator and provider of telecommunications services, commemorated International Tiger Day at the Buffalo Zoo with the Zoo’s Amur tigers, Thyme and Warner. Twenty-five third and fourth graders from Buffalo’s Early Childhood Center #61 painted their own pictures of the Amur tigers. Physically disabled artist and Russian native Ramon (Ray) Dennis created the sketch that the students painted, and worked alongside them. Buffalo Zoo staff and a representative from Buffalo’s Russian Sister City program also spoke to the students about tiger conservation efforts and International Tiger Day.
“Our local zoo is an important means of education on many levels as well as teaching the importance of animal conservation and Time Warner Cable is proud to support these efforts,” said Terence Rafferty, Regional Vice President of Operations, Time Warner Cable, WNY. “We are celebrating International Tiger Day by inviting Buffalo Public School students to learn more about Thyme and Warner through art, and the preservation efforts of their species worldwide.”
Born in 2007, Thyme and Warner were the first surviving tiger cubs born at the Zoo since 1988. Time Warner Cable has a partnership with the Zoo to assist with the tigers’ care.
“The births of Thyme and Warner were significant for this endangered species,” said Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO. “We’re pleased to have the support of Time Warner Cable and the rest of the community as we all work together to secure the future of Amur tigers.”
Dr. James Williams, Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, spoke on the Early Childhood Center’s behalf. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students. They are participating in a unique, educational celebration that is helping to raise awareness for one of our most captivating species.”
International Tiger Day was started by the Phoenix Fund, a Russian organization supported by Save the Tiger Fund and other international donors. There are approximately 500 tigers left in the wild in the Russian Far East.
Got Milk? The Zoo does
 Buffalo Zoo visitors had a unique opportunity to commit to leading a healthier lifestyle as the National “got milk?” Milk Mustache Mobile Drink Well. Live well. Tour made a special appearance at the Zoo on Wednesday, August 19
Buffalo Zoo visitors explored stations set up on the Gazebo Lawn to experience interactive activities including:
- Health assessments from a registered dietitian
- Ice-cold milk from local dairies Meadow Brook Dairy, Upstate Farms Cooperative, Inc. and Nestle
- Homemade smoothie samples
- Five-minute chair massages
- Souvenir Milk Mustache photos
Visitors also entered the Healthy Meals Made Simple Sweepstakes for a chance to win a prize from Real Simple® Magazine, including a healthy meal from a personal chef and a year’s supply of milk. All activities were free with Zoo admission.
String Cheese Tower Benefits the Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo, NY--The Buffalo Zoo is the proud recipient of the grand prize awarded to 97 Rock Morning Show Producer, Russ Burton, for participating in the 2nd annual Sorrento Cheese Building Contest.
The contest was held on July 16 as part of the 2009 Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival. Local media celebrities participated in a friendly competition to see who could build the highest “tower” out of string cheese. Contestants competed for the top prize—a check for $1,000—that was to be awarded to their charity of choice.
The Buffalo Zoo would like to extend a special thanks to Russ for his support!
Historic Barn to Be Relocated to Buffalo Zoo as Part of New Heritage Farm Children’s Area
 BUFFALO, NY— Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, and David Stapleton, President of David Homes, helped begin razing a barn that will be relocated to the Buffalo Zoo.
The barn will be incorporated into the Zoo’s new Heritage Farm Children’s Area, scheduled to open later in the year. Dr. Fernandes and Mr. Stapleton helped remove one of the boards on the exterior of the barn to mark the special occasion.
The Heritage Farm Children’s Area will be the first project built as part of Phase II of the Buffalo Zoo’s master plan. This family-friendly exhibit will recreate a historic farm from the mid-1800s with heritage breeds of domestic animals and include an adjacent wetlands/bog and a historic replica of an Erie Canal lock. Through fun, hands-on interaction with live animals, activities, demonstrations and guided investigations, children of all ages will understand the importance of a strong balance between undisturbed wild spaces such as wetlands for wildlife, and modified spaces, including farms and canals, for human existence. The exhibit is designed to help visitors understand the importance of water to wildlife and domestic farm animals, as well as the historic importance of water and the Erie Canal to people as a means of transportation for crops and other goods.
 The 35’ x 45’ barn is being donated to the Buffalo Zoo by David Homes President David Stapleton and his family. The donation was made not only to save this historic structure from being demolished as new properties are built in its place, but also to ensure that the community can learn about the significance of the Erie Canal era.
David Homes has been building custom, quality homes throughout Erie and Niagara Counties for 15 years. As one of Western New York’s top builders, David Homes is consistently designing and constructing the most energy efficient homes, offering their clients the best in comfort and value. They pride themselves on a reputation that is a direct result of positive homeowner experiences, always exercising their core values of Quality, Integrity and Respect. David Homes is a proud member of the community—socially, economically and environmentally. The National Association of Home Builders acknowledged David Homes as building the first certified Green Home in New York State and only the sixth home to be built to such standards in the nation. Always wanting to give back to the community, they support dozens of local charities, athletic teams, community events and much more.
STATE AUTHORITIES HAND ENDANGERED
TURTLES OVER TO ZOO
Turtles to be Held as Evidence in Illegal Animal Trade Case
 Fresh off the success of an in-depth undercover investigation into black market trafficking of reptiles and amphibians, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Police Officers today transferred a pair of illegally-taken endangered Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles to the Buffalo Zoo’s care.
“Illegal trafficking of turtles, snakes and other animals threatens our critical wildlife species and can produce long-term, detrimental effects to our eco-system,” said Region 8 DEC Police Captain Michael Van Durme. “We appreciate the Buffalo Zoo’s willingness to provide a safe home for this pair of endangered turtles, and sincerely thank the zoo’s wildlife experts for their continued assistance over the years with various wildlife identification and seizure issues. We hope that the turtles’ presence at the Zoo will help raise public awareness about the importance of wildlife protection.”
“We commend the DEC and everyone involved in addressing these illegal activities involving wildlife,” said Buffalo Zoo President/CEO Dr. Donna M. Fernandes. “We are proud to accept these endangered animals and ensure that they receive proper care.”
The pair of Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles now in the Buffalo Zoo’s care was seized from an illegal animal trader in the White Plains area. The turtles will be held by the Buffalo Zoo as evidence, with potential permanent placement at the zoo following case closure. Upon arrival at the Zoo, the turtles will be kept in quarantine and monitored by the Zoo’s veterinarian. Once they are deemed healthy and safe enough to be introduced to other animals in the collection, the turtles will then be added to the Zoo’s newest exhibit, M&T Bank Rainforest Falls.
Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles are federally protected as an endangered species. Biologists consider them to be an “indicator species,” playing an important role in representing the overall health of an ecosystem. There are known to be less than 100 Spotted Amazon River turtles in captivity in North America.
The turtles were seized as part of an extensive undercover investigation by DEC into the poaching, smuggling and illegal sale of protected reptiles and amphibians, which statewide has led to charges against 18 individuals or companies for 14 felonies, 11 misdemeanors and dozens of violations.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Shellshock," uncovered a lucrative, international black market for poaching and selling native, protected New York species - turtles, rattlesnakes and salamanders. Investigators found thousands of New York turtles being laundered through "middlemen" in other states, then getting shipped overseas for meat and other uses. More than 2,400 individual turtles, snakes and salamanders were involved in the documented crimes, with DEC currently holding nearly 400 live animals in evidence.
For more detailed information on Operation Shellshock including details of the investigation, please visit www.dec.ny.gov/press/52868.html. Anyone suspecting illegal activities regarding reptiles and amphibians is encouraged to contact the DEC TIPP line at 1-800-847-7332 to make an anonymous report.
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