2. Spring has certainly sprung here at Potter Park Zoo. It’s our favorite time of year as
sunshine and warm temperatures welcome new beginnings. We have lots of new
things to celebrate this season, and we are excited to share them with you in this issue.
Meeko, our new male Moose, came to Potter Park last fall and quickly stole our hearts.
His journey was long, trekking all the way from Alaska, but once he arrived he quickly
made himself at home. Follow Meeko’s trip from Alaska to Lansing inside.
We are excited to begin building a new state-of-the-art Moose Exhibit, and thanks to
the Glassen Foundation we have taken an enormous step closer to getting started. The
Foundation has given a $200,000 matching gift, expanding every dollar contributed to
the new exhibit. See how your dollars can be doubled on page 6.
We officially welcomed Dr. Sally Nofs to Potter Park Zoo as our new Director of Animal
Health. Dr. Sally comes to Potter Park most recently from Baylor College of Medicine.
Throughout her career she has participated in international research studies around
the world. She brings her passion and strong belief in conservation with her to Potter
Park. We look forward to her leading the way in global research, allowing us to have an
international impact. Get to know Dr. Sally on page 7.
Zookambi is right around the corner. Before kicking off the wild weeks of summer
camp, we heard from three sisters who each have unique stories of their Zookambi
experiences. Check out page 8 for their tales, and details on how to get your child
registered for Zookambi 2015.
Finally, I am pleased to introduce two new members of the Potter Park Zoological
Society Board of Directors: Tonya Fountain, Auto-Owners Insurance and Angelina
Zeller, Engaged Education. The talent and leadership both bring to the board will
enhance our efforts as we continue to strive to make Potter Park a world-class zoo.
Sherrie Graham,
Director
POTTER PARK
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ralph Hansen, President
AIS Construction Equipment
Corporation
Ann Marie Gunn, Treasurer
DFCU Financial
Amy Morris, Secretary
Martin Waymire
Kirstin Parkin, PhD
College of Human Medicine
Michigan State University
Tonya Fountain, PhD
Auto-Owners Insurance
Angelina Zeller
Engaged Education
POTTER PARK ZOO
ADVISORY BOARD
John Groen, Chair
Michigan Economic
Development Corporation
Kyle Binkley
State of Michigan
George Berghorn, PhD
Principal, Berghorn Group
Post-Doctoral Fellow,
Michigan State University
Aaron L. Davis
Fraser Trebilcock
Ralph Hansen
AIS Construction Equipment
Corporation
Jennifer Flood
Byrum & Fisk
Rick Kibbey
Mary Leys
Accident Fund
Deb Nolan
Ingham County Commissioner
Richard Snider, PhD
Michigan State University
Penelope Tsernoglou
Ingham County Commissioner
Carolyn Schulte’s interest in
photography was sparked
on a high school trip to New
York City. Trying to capture
the big city, she took 300
photos. When she got her
hands on a dSLR camera
senior year in
college, she was
hooked.
She loves
photographing
animals. As one
of Potter Park
Zoo’s newest
Zookeepers, she
has an inside
view of every
animal and an opportunity
to capture unique shots.
Big cats are her favorite to
shoot. She snapped her best
shot ever a few weeks ago.
“It was one of those cold
sunny days. I stopped by
the tiger exhibit to get a few
shots of Liya, our 3 year old
tigress,” Carolyn said. “As I
got everything set up, she
stood up and charged at me.
I snapped the shutter as she
was mid-stride, with her
eyes locked on me. It was one of
those shots that’s unrepeatable.”
Currently Carolyn is shooting
with a Nikon D90, but she has
fond memories of her first
camera – a little Canon Elf.
“At the time, it was the
coolest thing I owned,”
she said. “I was even more
proud of it since my parents
had me pay for it myself.”
Her proudest moment
is getting a photo of
Potter Park’s lion, Kota
published in CONNECT,
the official publication
of the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums’ photo contest.
“Unfortunately it didn’t win,
but it was exciting to open the
magazine and see one of my shots
in print,” she said. She plans to
enter again this year.
Carolyn shares her photos with
the zoo. She has a soft spot for
the new moose. The cover photo
is one of many photos she’s
snapped recently. You can see
more of Carolyn’s photography on
Potter Park Zoo’s Facebook page.
CAROLYN SCHULTE’S INSIDE VIEW
Her job title is Registrar, but
Teresa Masseau wears many hats
at Potter Park Zoo. With 12 years
on staff, she has a lot of history
at the zoo. Hence the reason
she’s everybody’s “go to” for
everything.
“I get to see the whole process
from my position,” Teresa said.
It’s a great vantage point, she says. Multitasking and
working as a team player have served her well and lead
to success in her position. Teresa didn’t come from
an animal background and never envisioned herself
working at a zoo, but she’s enjoyed learning all that she’s
learned about animals and continues to learn every day.
Her greatest joy these days is hearing her grandchildren
call Potter Park “Grandma’s Zoo.”
POTTER PARK ZOO
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sherrie Graham
Director
(517) 342-2715
sgraham@ingham.org
Tom Davidek
Grounds and Maintenance
(517)342-2746
tdavidek@ingham.org
Mike Hughes
Facilities
(517)676-8232
mhughes@ingham.org
Dennis Laidler
Education
(517) 342-2714
dlaidler@ingham.org
Teresa Masseau
Registrar
(517)342-2776
tmasseau@ingham.org
Amy Morris
Public Relations and Marketing
(517)485-6600
amorris@mwadvocacy.com
Dr. Sally Nofs
Director of Animal Health
(517) 342-2773
snofs@ingham.org
Rick Parker
Guest Services
(517) 342-5236
rparker@ingham.org
Jennifer Rostar
Special Events
(571) 342-2709
jrostar@ingham.org
James Tissue
Public Safety
(517) 244-8021
jtissue@ingham.org
Cindy Wagner
General Curator
(517) 342-2771
cwagner@ingham.org
Andrew Wingeier
Finance
(517) 244-8024
awingiere@ingham.org
POTTER PARK ZOO’S MISSION:
INSPIRING PEOPLE TO CONSERVE
ANIMALS AND THEIR NATURAL WORLD.
Continue your visit online.
Visit potterparkzoo.org for more photos, and up-
to-date information on events and animals.
WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Send your feedback on this issue
and story ideas for future issues to
zoocontact@ingham.org.
Zoo Tales is published by the Potter Park
Zoological Society for members and friends.
An annual subscription is included with every
membership.
Correspondence and address changes:
1301 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing, MI
48912-1646
ZOO TALES
Spring 2015
Publisher: Sherrie Graham, Director,
Potter Park Zoo
Editor: Kathy Backus
Designer: Nathan Jones
Photography: Kathy Backus, Carolyn Schulte
Printer: Aldinger Inc.
Zoo Tales is printed on recycled paper,
preserving our habitat for wildlife. Do your part
in conserving the environment, share this copy
of the publication with others.
FIND US ON
THIS ISSUE
MEET REGISTRAR
TERESA MASSEAU
ON THE COVER:
WHAT DOES A ZOO REGISTRAR DO?
Manages all animal records, acquisitions and dispositions.
Obtains animal permits and coordinates animal shipments.
Page 4-5
MEEKO HAS ARRIVED
Follow the journey of PPZ’s newest moose,
all the way from Alaska to Lansing.
Page 6
GLASSEN FOUNDATION & PPZ …
THE RIGHT FIT
$200,000 gift to give moose new home
Page 7
MEET DR.SALLY NOFS
PPZ welcomes new animal doctor
Page 8-9
ZOOKAMBI -- SUMMER LOVIN’
HAVING A BLAST
PPZ’s summer camp a family affair for
three sisters
Page 10
ASK DENNIS – WHAT’S UP WITH
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY?
Introducing PPZ’s newest additions
Page 12
DOCENT KAYLA STOMACK’S
‘AH HA’ MOMENTS
HOP INTO FROGWATCH USA
Page 13
CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY
ZOOKEEPERS LAUNCH AAZK CHAPTER
POTTER PARK ZOO PROVIDES A UNIQUE
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE IN
OUR COMMUNITY AND ACROSS THE
REGION TO LEARN ABOUT ANIMAL
CONSERVATION AND SEE OUR
ANIMALS IN A NATURAL HABITAT THAT
IS WELCOMING AND EDUCATIONAL.
SERVING ON THE BOARD ALLOWS ME
TO HELP ADVANCE THAT MISSION.”
Spring –
a season
of new
beginnings
at PPZ
ANGELINA ZELLER,
CEO, ENGAGED EDUCATION
I APPRECIATE THE ZOO’S FOCUS ON
EDUCATION AND LOOK FORWARD TO
SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE ZOO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT AND ADVANCE THOSE
EFFORTS.”
TONYA FOUNTAIN,
AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE
“
“
ZOOTales 3ZOOTales 3
3. MEEKO’S
JOURNEY
M
eeko was days old and
stranded on the side of a road
in Alaska, separated from his
mother. He would not have survived
had he not been rescued and taken to
The Alaska Zoo. The orphan transfer
program between the state of Alaska
and zoos brought Meeko to his new
home, Potter Park Zoo.
The3,800 mile trip from Anchorage to
Lansing was long. The journey began
as Meeko was walked into his travel
crate at the zoo and driven to the
FedEx loading dock, and then loaded
onto the cargo plane for the seven
hour flight to Indianapolis. The crates
are specially made just days before
departure to ensure proper sizing for
the specific animal.
“He was young enough to still be
bottle fed, so we led him into the
crate while feeding him a bottle,” said
Cindy Wagner, General Curator, Potter
Park Zoo. “Crates appear small, but if
animals can move too much they can
hurt themselves while traveling.”
A small cut out window allowed
Cindy to see into the crate to check on
Meeko throughout the flight.
“Travel is stressful for people and
more so on animals,” Cindy explained.
“All the beeping and noises of shipping
carts buzzing around the airport is
hard for our ears, it’s especially hard
for theirs, too.”
Landing in Indianapolis after
midnight, Meeko’s crate was taken
from the plane by a skid loader and
placed onto a Potter Park Zoo trailer,
which was waiting at the airport.
The four hour trip to Lansing was the
final leg of the journey.
“Driving at night to transfer the moose
to Potter Park Zoo was preferred,” said
Cindy. “Decreased traffic, noise and
cooler temperatures help minimize
stress.”
Arriving at Potter Park Zoo concluded
the 15 hour trip and the doors of the
crate were opened to welcome Meeko
to his new home.
“He was hungry when he arrived at
Potter Park,” said Cindy. “We fed him
a bottle right away, which he received
readily.”
Since his arrival Meeko has been
introduced to the female Alaskan
moose Willow and her habitat.
The Zoo Keepers have described
the introduction experience
as “nerve-wracking and
exciting,” but also a time of
bonding. The Keepers have
gotten to know Meeko and
his spunky personality well.
“Moose are very personable
and curious animals,” said
Jake Brodie, Zoo Keeper, Potter
Park Zoo. “Their personalities
make them a thrill to observe as they
interact with each other. I encourage
community members to come see
them. I know they’ll learn to love them
as much as our staff does.”
3,800 miles from
Anchorage to Lansing
With more than 500 votes, Meeko was selected
as the name for our newest Alaskan male moose,
thanks to the 1,200-plus fans who cast their
opinions in the contest. Considering Meeko means
“Little Mischief” it seems the perfect fit as we’ve
gotten to know his rambunctious personality.
ANCHORAGE
INDIANAPOLIS
LANSING
Travel crates for animals
appear small, but too much
room to move around can
cause animals to get hurt.
Crates are usually tall and
narrow with enough space
for the animal to stand up,
lay down, move a little, but
not necessarily turn around.
Introducing animals
requires a lot of
planning and careful
observations to
ensure their safety.
Moose are very
personable animals.
Their personalities
make them a thrill
to observe as they
interact with each
other.
THE WINNING NAME … MEEKO
ZOOTales 54 ZOOTales4 ZOOTales ZOOTales 5
4. P
otter Park Zoo officially
welcomes Dr. Sally Nofs as
its new Director of Animal
Health. Dr. Sally comes to Potter Park
most recently from Baylor College
of Medicine, where she was doing
postdoctoral research on elephant
disease in collaboration with the
Houston Zoo. Before that she was
Veterinary Services Director at the
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Coming to Potter Park is like returning
home for Dr. Sally. She grew up near
Flint and attended Michigan State
University, earning her undergraduate
degree and doctorate of veterinary
medicine.
“Everything about coming here has
really felt like coming home,” said Dr.
Sally Nofs.
Dr. Sally follows Dr. Tara Harrison,
who accepted a prestigious position
with UC Davis School of Veterinary
Medicine, Department of
Medicine and Epidemiology as an
assistant Professor of Zoological
Medicine and is working closely
with the Sacramento Zoo.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sally has
participated in international research
studies across the globe in places such
as India, Brazil and China, studying
ways to help preserve species
including elephants, giant anteaters
and Hellbender Salamanders.
She brings her passion and strong
belief for global conservation with her
to Potter Park.
“You can be a small zoo and do world
class research,” said Dr. Sally. “We
can contribute in big ways and have
an international impact. I want to
continue working toward that goal.”
Her first order of business in her new
position is getting to know the zoo’s
Dr. Sally Nofs’ international research
included trunk washes for disease
survelliance in Asian Elephants in
India. She brings her passion for
international conservation with her
to Potter Park.
Thirty nine years ago Jan Brigham
came to Potter Park Zoo after
graduating from Michigan State
University. While interning at Fenner
Nature Center she had repeatedly
asked Potter Park’s director if he
had a job for her. When she got a call
about a temporary position caring for
cats and monkeys, she took the job
and never looked back.
“I fell in love with zookeeping,” Jan
said. “It covered everything I wanted
to do.”
Her career goal was a job where she
didn’t have to be in an office, could be
outside, and if animals were
included that was a bonus.
“Zookeepers focused more
on cleaning and feeding the animals
back then,” Jan said. “Now we
concentrate on the mental health of
the animals. A lot has changed in 39
years. We’ve come full circle.”
The environment has always been
Jan’s passion. Those working
alongside her learned about animals
and heard her preach about reduce,
reuse, and recycle.
She plans to volunteer again at
Fenner Nature Center after the zoo,
and she’s considering helping with a
therapeutic riding program. What Jan
is looking forward to most is a trip to
Alaska later this summer.
collection of 593 animals. Secondly,
she’s working on strengthening the
relationship between PPZ and MSU.
Dr. Sally’s biggest challenge is working
toward the goal of a new veterinary
hospital.
“I’ve always wanted to go there, but
said I wouldn’t go until I could spend
at least three weeks, so we’re going
and leaving in August,” she said.
39 YEAR CAREER
COMES FULL CIRCLE
Meet
DR. SALLY NOFS
PPZ’s new
animal
doctor
Glassen Foundation moves
new Moose Exhibit forward
Potter Park Zoo has taken a giant
step forward in building a new state-
of-the art moose exhibit thanks to
the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial
Foundation.
“Receiving a $200,000 matching grant
from the Glassen Foundation jump
starts our fundraising efforts for
this important project,” said Sherrie
Graham, director of Potter Park Zoo.
“This generous gift expands every
dollar contributed to the new exhibit
and takes us an enormous step closer
to getting building underway.”
Hal and Jean Glassen were avid
hunters and lifelong conservationists.
They believed so strongly in the
scientific management of wildlife they
established the Glassen Memorial
Foundation before their deaths
in 1992 to carry on the goals they
worked for throughout their lives.
Potter Park Zoo’s new moose
exhibit fits well with one of Glassen
Foundation’s missions to support
research and programs aimed at
habitat improvement. This isn’t
the first partnership between the
Glassen Foundation and Potter Park.
Several years ago, the Foundation also
provided a challenge grant to build
the River Otter Exhibit.
“We see this as a great partnership,”
said Tom Huggler of the Glassen
Foundation. “We see the zoo
as a gateway to learning about
conservation and respect and care
for animals.”
The Glassens resided in Lansing for
more than 60 years. Hal practiced
law in the community for 62 years.
He was a lifelong hunter, competitive
shooter and gun collector. From
1967-69 he served as president of
the National Rifle Association and
was one of only 13 people at the time
(President Reagan was the 14th) to
be chosen an honorary life member
of the organization. A fierce defender
of Second Amendment rights, Glassen
was an active spokesman for the NRA.
Jean was educated as a biologist and
the first woman to graduate from the
University of Wisconsin Agricultural
School. She was pioneer breeder in
the U.S. of English cocker spaniels,
producing more than 50 champions
under her kennel name, Maple Lawn.
A six-time president of the English
Cocker Spaniel Club of America.
HELP PPZ BUILD MOOSE EXHIBIT – DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS
We are excited to begin building the new state-of-the-art Moose Exhibit.
Now, thanks to The Glassen Memorial Foundation your dollars can be
doubled. The Foundation has given a $200,000 matching gift, expanding
every dollar contributed to the new exhibit. Find out how to double
your gift by calling 517-342-2710, online, potterparkzoo.org or use the
envelope inside this issue to send your gift.
6 ZOOTales6 ZOOTales ZOOTales 7
5. Z
ookambi has been filling
kids’ summer days with wild
activities and adventures for
years. The Shortridge family’s three
daughters each have unique tales of
summers spent at Zookambi Camp.
As registration begins on a new camp
season, we asked the sisters to share
what they loved best about their
Zookambi experience.
Oldest sibling Ayley’s Zookambi
experience prompted her to become a
PPZ Teen Keeper, allowing her to see
even more behind the scenes at the
zoo than Zookambi campers. While
helping the Zookeepers feeding and
caring for the animals, Ayley had the
chance to witness the tigers getting
weighed.
“It was really wild watching them
lure these giant tigers onto the scale,”
said Ayley. “I learned a lot about how
animals are taken care of and what
their lives are like at the zoo. I was
pretty impressed.”
Sixteen-year-old Ayley is a junior in
high school, she’s planning to pursue a
degree in science in college; probably
biology she says. Her experiences at
the zoo strengthened her interest in
science.
“Living here in Lansing we don’t have
the opportunity to see exotic animals,”
Ayley explained. “Going to the zoo
and learning about the animals and
the conservation efforts … I think it
has definitely shaped my interest in
science.”
Sister number two, 14-year-old
Jessa is a budding artist. She loved
the chance to draw the animals
after observing them in their own
environment at Zookambi Camp.
“I liked seeing how animals lived, how
they got their water and food and
where they slept,” Jessa said. “We got
to choose which animals we wanted to
draw … and I love to draw, so I loved
that.”
Jessa also enjoyed a part of Zookambi
that didn’t involve the animals exactly
inside the zoo, but instead focused on
the surrounding habitat.
“We scooped up samples from the
river and looked at them under a
microscope. That was really cool,” said
Jessa. “It wasn’t just big animals we
got to see, we saw tiny living things in
the water. I never thought there was
so much stuff living in water.”
WILD WEEKS OF
SUMMER CAMP
It’s almost time for the
wildest weeks of summer
– Zookambi 2015. Another
great camp season will kick
off the week of June 15.
We’ve added an extra week
of Zookambi and a few
brand new classes, thanks to
feedback from parents, kids
and teachers. So this year
camps will be even wilder!
Space is limited, so get your
kids signed up today.
Register online at
potterparkzoo.org.
For more information
call 517-342-2713 or
517-342-2769.
three sisters
a affairfamily
for
Youngest sister Samara attended
Zookambi when she was in
kindergarten. As an 11-year-old her
best memories were the docents
coming in to show animals.
“We got to see real, live animals up
close that was pretty awesome,”
said Samara. “The hedgehog was my
favorite.”
Anastasia Shortridge is happy her
daughters had the chance to grow up
experiencing Zookambi.
“It’s unique to have a zoo in our
community providing opportunities
like Zookambi, where kids can get
a more in depth perspective on
animals,” said Anastasia. “Zookambi
gave the girls the chance to do a whole
class on something they’re really
interested in, and explore things that
are fun for them.”
IT WAS REALLY WILD
WATCHING THEM LURE
THESE GIANT TIGERS
ONTO THE SCALE.”
JESSA, 14
ZOOKAMBI 2015
SAMARA, 11
AYLEY, 16
8 ZOOTales ZOOTales 9
6. ASK DENNIS
I
nternational Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is a day to celebrate
migratory bird conservation. While the “official” IMBD is the
second Saturday of May, due to the differences in the timing of
bird migrations throughout the U.S., celebrations occur from April
to June.
HOW DID IMBD GET STARTED?
IMBD is the brainchild of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
(SMBC), created in the early 1990s. The first IMBD celebration was
at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. in 1993. Today the non-
profit group Environment for the Americas (EFTA) oversees IMBD.
IMBD is now celebrated at hundreds of sites in all 50 states and
internationally.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO
CELEBRATE IMBD?
Migratory birds are symbolic
indicators of the seasons,
provide economical and
environmental services, and
are gauges of healthy habitats.
Public awareness and concern
are crucial in migratory
bird conservation. IMBD is a
successful vehicle for engaging
new environmental stewards.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS PPZ CELEBRATED IMBD?
This is PPZ’s 21st IMBD. It’s grown to be one of our largest
education events, with more than 5,000 participants in 2014.
Our IMBD event is hosted in conjunction with Lansing area’s event
“Be A Tourist In Your Own Town.”
WHAT PROGRAMS/EVENTS
DOES PPZ HAVE PLANNED?
The zoo will be full of bird related
activities, games and experiences,
including live chicks hatchings
and bird of prey presentations;
backyard bird ID; decorate toy
binoculars to take home; learn
how/when to feed birds and how to
create a backyard habitat for them.
What is
International
Migratory
Bird Day?
How to celebrate
IMBD at PPZ?
This year’s IMBD is Saturday,
May 30, from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Find out more at
Potter Park Zoo’s website
potterparkzoo.org. Also
check out information about
“Be A Tourist In Your Own
Town” at www.lansing.org.
BLUE PHASE ARCTIC FOX
In the summer, all Arctic Fox
shed off their winter coat and
are brown colored. No matter
if fox is blue or white phase,
all look similar in summer.
HANGING PARROTS
Hanging parrots are
unique in their ability to
sleep upside down.
MALE MOOSE
Meeko traveled more than
3,800 miles on a Fed Ex cargo
plane from Anchorage, Alaska
to come to Potter Park Zoo.
RED PANDA
Red Pandas are moving
to new exhibit. Did you
know males play no role in
preparations for birth or
raising offspring.
PUERTO RICAN
CRESTED TOADS
They are moving to a new,
larger exhibit in auditorium
of birdhouse. PPZ breeds our
toads annually and sends
tadpoles to Puerto Rico for
release.
BAT-EARED FOX
A second Bat-eared fox added
to the zoo. Their ears shed
heat to help keep fox cool
and give them keen sense of
hearing.
RAVENS
Ravens are moving into a new
exhibit at the zoo. They’re one
of the smartest animals, rating
high in intelligence with
chimpanzees and dolphins.
OUR NEWEST ADDITIONS
Introducing the newest additions to
Potter Park Zoo. Next time you visit the
zoo be sure to stop by and say hello.
Photo by G. Little Photography
www.glittlephotography.com
10 ZOOTales10 ZOOTales ZOOTales 11
7. PPZ’s Zookeepers have joined together
to create a local chapter of American
Association of Zoo Keepers, the
professional organization with more
than 100 chapters throughout the
U.S. and Canada. AAZK is the source
for careers in animal care, providing
opportunities for professional
development, continuing education,
research, conservation efforts and
peer-to-peer discussions.
“Zookeeping as a profession has
grown,” said Melissa Lincoln, one
of Potter Park’s Keepers involved
in starting the local AAZK chapter.
“We’ve come a long way … from
scrubbing cages to species survival and
involvement in conservation. AAZK
creates a wealth of knowledge among
Keepers across the world.”
Species survival and conservation are
the focus of zoos today. AAZK offers the
tools to help Keepers make the public
more aware of these goals.
Through its annual Bowling for Rhinos
national fundraiser, AAZK chapters
have raised more than $5 million
to conserve rhino habitats in East
Africa. Last year PPZ’s chapter hosted
its first Bowling for Rhinos event
generating $2,600. The Keepers are
hoping to double the funds raised at
this year’s bowling event. And, they’re
interested in getting involved in local
conservation efforts, too.
“It’s important for us to conserve what
we have in our own backyard and what
we have across the globe,” said Lincoln.
PPZ ZOOKEEPERS
LAUNCH AAZK
CHAPTER
On February 26 Potter Park Zoo’s
Safari Room was filled with more
than 150 people from throughout
the community, gathered to
celebrate Ingham County’s diverse
workforce at the 16th annual
Cultural Diversity Luncheon.
Each year a different culture is
honored at the celebration. This
year the Latino/Hispanic culture
was featured with music, displays,
dance, and storytelling and of
INGHAM COUNTY CELEBRATES
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
course animal presentations
highlighting the cultural
traditions. The Cultural
Diversity Luncheon has grown
in popularity and attendance
every year thanks to the donors
who helped to support this
important community event:
Dart Container Corp., Fit Body
Bootcamp, Ingham County
Parks Dept., Potter Park Zoo
and Holistic Butterfly Studio.
It’s the ‘ah ha’ moments
that Kayla Stomack
loves most about being
a Potter Park Zoo
docent.
“It’s amazing to see a
light switch go off in
a child’s or an adult’s
eyes when you say
something you know
they will go home
and tell their
friends,”
said Kayla.
Serving
as a
docent
for seven
years has
taught
Kayla
patience.
“This lesson is taught
to me over and over,”
Kayla said. “I have so
much I want to tell
them (the groups she
presents to as a docent).
I know I need to slow
down so they can
take away a few great
points.”
Kayla’s favorite zoo
animals are the rhinos.
The opportunity to feed
DOCENT KAYLA STOMACK –
IT’S THE ‘AH HA’ MOMENTS
You can be a citizen scientist, no experience required.
Here’s your chance to be part of a national study. Collect
and report valuable data about wetlands, frogs and toads
in your community. The information you gather will be
part of national database monitoring local amphibians.
FrogWatch USA is a relatively new program in Michigan.
Potter Park Zoo is one of two zoos in the state to
participate.
“It’s a way for researchers to get data on a larger scale,”
said Melissa Lincoln, Potter Park Zoo Bird/Reptile
Keeper. “One or two researchers can’t do what a group of
citizens can do.”
Potter Park is hosting
two training courses
for volunteers to
learn protocols and
local frog and toad
breeding calls. The
next trainings are
April 11 and 12
from 2-6 p.m. To
register call 517-
483-4476 or email
ppzfrogwatch@
ingham.org.
“Once trained,
participating takes
only five minutes
a day,” explained
Melissa. “ You can
pick your own
location to study, too.”
Participant’s data will be utilized by scientists across
the world. FrogWatchUSA has led to the discovery of
another species of frogs in New York. Frogs and toads
play an important role, as both prey and predator, in
wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of
environmental
health.
“Getting people
out of their
houses,
into local
wetlands,
listening and
reporting
back what
they hear
… it’s really
important,”
said Melissa.
BE A CITIZEN SCIENTIST –
HOP INTO FROGWATCH USA
JOIN FROGWATCH USA
The next FrogWatch training
courses at Potter Park Zoo is
April 11 and 12, 2-6 p.m. Courses
are free and open to adults and
school aged children. To register
call 517-483-4476 or email
ppzfrogwatch@ingham .org.
one of Potter Park’s rhinos
while visiting the zoo with
an undergraduate Animal
Science nutrition class lit a
fire under her, prompting
her to become a docent and
travel abroad to gain more
experience with wildlife.
Serving as a docent has
guided Kayla’s career. She will
graduate this spring
from Michigan
State University
College of
Veterinary
Medicine.
“I started
vet school
only wanting
to do bovine
practice,
however after
being a docent I plan
to pursue a residency in zoo
and wildlife medicine,” Kayla
explained.
Kayla was recently awarded
PPZ’s “Good Egg” award for
going above and beyond the
call of duty as a docent.
“Docents are important to
the zoo,” she said. “The more
people accurately speaking
up for conservation the better
this world will be.”
The Potter Park Zoo family
recently lost one of its
most dedicated and longest
serving docents. Dean Urie
was a member of the zoo’s
very first docent training
class –more than 27 years
ago. Dean was a career
forest researcher with
a tremendous love and
passion for wildlife conservation
and teaching others. Dean loved
all wildlife; however he had a
special interest in wolves. He
would often be camped out at
the zoo’s wolf exhibit, enthralling
visitors with stories and
interesting information. Dean’s
second favorite thing to do was
portraying Santa during the zoo’s
annual Wonderland of Lights
celebration. Dean was extremely
warm, friendly and engaging
with the children. He will be
sorely missed.
DOCENT DEAN URIE –
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Dean’s family has asked in lieu
of flowers or gifts those who
wish to remember Dean can do
so by making donations to the
Potter Park Zoological Society.
All funds received will be used
to support the educational
programs of the zoo. Donations
can be sent to:
Potter Park Zoological Society
1301 South Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI 48912
WHAT IS FROGWATCH USA?
It’s a nationwide program
established in 1998;
adopted by the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) in 2009, where
participants learn and
practice science and develop
a closer relationship with
the environment. Volunteers
get involved in their
community, collecting and
reporting information about
wetlands and frog and toad
populations. FrogWatch USA
has collected 10 years of
data so far.
12 ZOOTales ZOOTales 13
9. Potter Park Zoological Society
1301 S. Pennsylvania
Lansing, Mi 48912-1646
A TRICKY SHOT
Kathryn Wesserling
Warren, Michigan
p o t t e r p a r k z o o . o r g
Kathryn Wesserling started taking photos on a trip to
Scotland in 1977. She used her father’s Minolta, shot
a ton of pictures and spent a fortune getting them
developed. She swore off photography after that trip.
A few years later a friend
gave her a point-and-shoot
camera, and her passion for
photography was reignited.
Receiving her first digital
camera as a birthday gift in
2004 opened up a whole new
world.
“Now I have six different
cameras and I’ve taken close to
30,000 photos,” said Kathryn.
Potter Park isn’t the closest zoo to Kathryn’s home
in Warren, Mich., but it’s her favorite. She uses a
mobilized cart to help get around the zoo with her
camera equipment.
“I appreciate how easy it is to get around Potter
Park,” she said. “It’s the perfect size.”
She prefers shooting photos at the zoo in November
through January. Some of her favorite animals love
the colder temperatures. Capturing this picture of
the Arctic Fox was a bit tricky.
“I’m not a rule-breaker, but I might have crossed the
line just a little to get that shot,” Kathy admitted.
Check out Kathryn Wesserling’s photo gallery here:
www.flickr.com/photos/kathyspix
Everyone has a favorite memory of the zoo. We are
eager to hear about your best trip or most beloved
animal at Potter Park Zoo. Share your tale with us
and we will share it with our readers here on the
back page of an upcoming issue. Send your tales to
us at zoocontact@ingham.org. We are can’t wait to
hear your story.
TELL US YOUR ZOO TALE!
