The document summarizes recent construction projects at Potter Park Zoo, including new exhibits for red pandas and moose. Generous donations from local organizations like Williams AutoWorld and the Glassen Memorial Foundation funded the construction of the exhibits. The red panda exhibit is complete and the animals will move in this fall. Construction of the moose exhibit is ongoing but expected to finish by the end of the year, providing the moose with more space and habitat replication. The donations helped further the zoo's mission of inspiring conservation.

1. Plenty of TLC required
to keep cats healthy
and happy
p o t t e r p a r k z o o . o r g
Big Cats
Big care for
Fall 2015

2. The colors are
changing and the
temperatures are
cooling – it’s fall, our
busiest season here
at Potter Park Zoo.
Our big cats are front
and center in this
issue, with a story
highlighting what it
takes to keep them
healthy and happy. The relationship Keeper
Annie Marcum has developed with them in
10 years of care plays a big role in the well-
being of the lions, tigers and snow leopard.
(See the story on page 4.)
We showcase the new faces of our animal
collection – large and small – on page 6.
As you greet the new penguin, tenrecs and
hanging parrots, be sure to stop by the king
vulture’s new home – built by local Eagle
Scout Josh Tanke. It’s a wonderful upgrade
to the exhibit. We’re proud of, and thankful
for, Josh’s hard work.
The sounds of heavy equipment filled the
air this summer with the construction of
new exhibits for the red pandas and moose.
Both projects are the result of generous
POTTER PARK
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ralph Hansen, President,
AIS Construction Equipment
Corporation
Ann Marie Gunn, Treasurer,
DFCU Financial
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
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
Brian Przygocki’s
interest in
photography
started with his
parents’ compact
film camera.
He wanted to
understand
what the dials,
numbers and speed meant so he
could buy the right film to get the
best photos.
Since then, Brian has owned 10
digital cameras in his quest to
get quality photos to meet his
expectations. He has captured
many outstanding photos of
the big cats at Potter Park Zoo,
including the photo of the snow
leopard on the cover.
His favorite animals at the zoo
are the tigers because of their
beautiful fur and playful nature.
Brian’s dream is to travel to Tampa,
Fla., to photograph the big cats at
Big Cat Rescue.
Brian’s best photo ever was a fall
scene created with hand-painted
pumpkins and ghost decorations.
“I turned out the lights and used
a flashlight to give the ghost a
supernatural glow,” Brian explains.
See more of Brian Przygocki’s
photography at www.flickr.com/
photos/21545177@N00/albums
QUEST TO CAPTURE BEST SHOTS
Kelly Gibson’s friends call her “Zoo Lady.” She likes the
nickname. Stepping into the position of member coordinator
and events associate a little more than a year ago, Kelly says
it’s the best job ever. Her passion and enthusiasm are proof
she’s doing what she loves.
She takes Potter Park Zoo’s
conservation mission to heart.
“It’s important to me to be
part of an organization that’s
really making a difference in
the world,” Kelly says. “I love
what the zoo stands for and
the message of conservation,
caring for animals and their
natural habitat.”
Having earned a marketing
degree from Michigan State
University, Kelly believes
building relationships is critical
to growing any organization.
She works hard to ensure
PPZ’s members feel a personal
connection to the zoo.
“I want members to realize what their membership does for
the zoo, how it supports it and, on a grander scale, what the
zoo represents in the community and world,” Kelly explains.
Success for Kelly in this position will be growing the
membership base to 10,000 people.
POTTER PARK ZOO
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sherrie Graham
Director
(517) 342-2715
sgraham@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
External Affairs
(517) 342-2718
amorris@ingham.org
Dr. Sally Nofs
Animal Health
(517) 342-2773
snofs@ingham.org
Rick Parker
Guest Services
(517) 342-5236
rparker@ingham.org
Jennifer Rostar
Special Events
(517) 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
awingeier@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
Fall 2015
Publisher: Sherrie Graham, Director, PPZ
Editor: Kathy Backus
Designer: Nathan Jones
Photography: Kathy Backus, Steve Jessmore,
Amy Morris, Carolyn Schulte and Brian Przygocki
Printer: Aldinger, Inc.
Zoo Tales is printed on recycled paper,
preserving our habitat for wildlife. Do your part
in conserving the environment by sharing this
copy of the publication with others.
FIND US ON
MEET THE PPZ TEAM
ON THE COVER:
Page 4-5
BIG CATS
Big cats require big care. Keeper Annie
Marcum knows each cat well after 10
years of providing care.
Page 6
NEW AT THE ZOO
Check out the newest additions to PPZ’s
animal collection and exhibits.
Page 7
CONSTRUCTION ZONE
Tool sounds buzzed through the zoo this
summer with the building of the new red
panda and moose exhibits.
Page 8-9
BOO AT THE ZOO
The Adkins family shares the story of their
favorite fall tradition.
Page 10
ASK MR. DENNIS
What’s PPZ doing to combat illegal wildlife
trading?
Page 12
RHINO CONFERENCE CONNECTS
PPZ GLOBALLY
AAZK Bowling for Rhinos a hit
Page 14
YAHOO.COM NAMES PPZ BEST
ZOO IN STATE
It’s a ‘spooktacular’ time of year
PPZ SECURITY TEAM – SAVING LIVES
IS JUST PART OF THE JOB
PPZ security team member Gary Masseau is always ready to help, even off-duty.
During a recent thunderstorm, the retired Lansing police officer rushed to help a
woman trapped in her car, which was submerged in several feet of water.
The woman was too weak from a chemo treatment to open the car door to
escape. Gary waded through the water, forced open a door and carried her to
safety. Debra Cottrell is
very thankful and lucky
to be alive, she told TV
reporters following the
event.
Gary is being hailed as
a hero, but he considers
it part of the job and
the right thing to do.
PPZ honored him with
a plaque in recognition
of his above-the-call-of-
duty efforts.
gifts from donors who are strong
supporters of our mission to inspire
people to conserve animals and their
natural world. We sincerely appreciate
the gifts from Williams AutoWorld and
the Glassen Memorial Foundation. The
red pandas and moose are thankful, too.
Read all about this success on page 7.
Finally, with fall comes the ever-
popular Boo at the Zoo. It has become
a tradition for many in the community,
with more than 12,000 attending the
two-weekend “spooktacular.” The
Adkins family looks forward to trick-
or-treating around the zoo every year.
They share their story of why they
never miss Boo at the Zoo on page 8.
I hope you enjoy the tales included
in this issue, and we look forward to
seeing you this fall at Potter Park Zoo.
Sherrie Graham,
Director
THIS ISSUE
ZOOTales 32 ZOOTales ZOOTales 3

3. A
nnie Marcum’s day starts
early at Potter Park
Zoo. The keeper for the
big cats begins at 8 a.m. with
a visual check of the animals
in her care to ensure they are
behaving normally.
Working with the lions, tigers
and the snow leopard for 10
years, Annie has gotten to know
each of their personalities.
Observing the animals is one
of the most important parts of
a keeper’s job. They know the
animals’ behavior thoroughly
and are best able to detect any
issues that may need to be
addressed.
“You develop a relationship
with them,” said Annie. “There
Daily enrichment enhances cats’ well-being and
allows them to investigate and exhibit natural
behaviors. Activities include the introduction of
objects, sounds, smells and other stimuli, giving
the animals the chance to exercise choice and
control of their environment.
The cats receive different enrichment options
daily. The five types of enrichment involve
the following:
SENSORY: Focused on sounds or smells. Activities
include animal sounds piped into the exhibit,
furniture or materials from other animals added to
the exhibit and occasionally setting out piles of ice
for the cats to investigate and enjoy.
ENVIRONMENTAL: Focused on changing up their
living environment. Activities include adding new
or rearranging furniture or materials in the exhibit
and adding a tank of water filled with unique items.
FOOD: Focused on offering high value foods. Menu
items include various types of meat, bones, meat in
frozen ice blocks or inserted into plastic containers
to be broken open by animals and the cats’
favorites – frozen milksicles and bloodsicles.
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL: Focused on training to enable
procedures such as nail clipping and dental exams.
Activities include lion calls and keeper interaction.
KEEPER’S CHOICE: Zoo keepers select a preferred
enrichment activity, typically involving play.
ENRICHMENT
Big cat
a positive reward, keepers
are able to draw blood, give
injections and complete other
medical tests on the cats.
Training also allows for basic
husbandry procedures to be
completed with no stress on the
animals.
Each of the individual cats and
each of the species responds
differently to training. The lions
are very motivated by food,
continually focused on the next
high value food reward.
“The tigers are food motivated
too. They tend to stay focused
longer and don’t get frustrated
as quickly as the lions,” said
Annie.
Enrichment is another essential
aspect of the lives of Potter Park
Zoo’s cats. It helps keep the
animals mentally and physical
fit. Zoo keepers are constantly
creating new enrichment
activities for the animals in
their care. Keepers introduce
new objects, sounds and smells
into habitats to keep the cats’
environment stimulating and
challenging.
“You get to come up with
something new every day.
Seeing their response is
rewarding – and sometimes
surprising,” said Annie.
Enrichment is considered
as important to the animals’
well-being as nutrition and
veterinary care.
As fascinating and rewarding
as working with big cats is for
Annie and the other keepers,
safety for the cats and keepers is
the top priority. Keepers follow
a stringent safety checklist each
and every time they interact
with these large predators.
Annie Marcum works with the zoo’s snow
leopard, training her to offer behaviors
that help staffers perform medical
procedures and basic husbandry.
are differences between the
species, but the individual
animals are unique.”
Then it is feeding time. Dakota,
Potter Park Zoo’s nine-year-
old male African lion weighing
350 lbs., eats seven pounds of
meat each day. Each cat’s diet
is determined by their weight
and caloric requirements,
and is designed to ensure the
animal maintains a healthy
body condition.
Each exhibit is then cleaned
daily to ensure the animals
are living in a healthy
environment. Behavioral
training and enrichment follow
the visual check, feeding and
cleaning.
Behavioral training is Annie’s
favorite part of working with
the big cats.
“You’re interacting with them.
They’re paying attention to
you. You’re communicating
with them. Training is all
about communication,”
said Annie.
Using operant
conditioning and high
value food to teach the
animals to offer certain
behaviors enables
keepers, in cooperation
with veterinary staffers,
to perform some medical
procedures that would
otherwise require
anesthesia.
By using food as
Big care for “As interesting as they are to work with, we never forget they
are wild animals,” said Annie.
Annie never thought she would spend her career at a zoo caring
for big cats. She came to Potter Park Zoo after graduating from
Northern Michigan University, started working with the big cats
and never left.
She will soon realize a long-held dream of doing field work
with cats in the wild with a trip to Yu River Wildlife Corridor
in Malaysia. She’ll be participating in a MYCAT (Malaysian
Conservation Alliance for Tigers) project called Citizen Action
for Tigers. The invaluable information she acquires on this trip
will not only help the tigers in Malaysia, but also allow her to
gain new insights for the care of the cats at Potter Park Zoo.
ZOOTales 54 ZOOTales4 ZOOTales ZOOTales 5

4. HELP BUILD MOOSE EXHIBIT –
DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS
Meeko and Willow are eager to move into their new home. You can
help build the exhibit. Thanks to the Glassen Memorial Foundation,
your donation can be doubled. The foundation has given a $200,000
matching gift, expanding every dollar contributed to the new exhibit.
Learn how to double your gift by contacting Amy Morris at
(517) 342-2718 or amorris@inghamcounty.org.
T
he sound of hammers,
drills, saws and other
building equipment
echoed through Potter Park
Zoo this summer with the
construction of new red
panda and moose exhibits.
Rupert Jr. and Maliha,
Potter Park Zoo’s two red
pandas, will move into their
new home this fall. The
new exhibit offers more
space, greater enrichment
opportunities and a habitat
that more closely matches
their native environment.
Support for the red panda
project was jump-started
with a generous $30,000
contribution from Jeff and
David Williams of Williams
AutoWorld in Lansing. The
brothers are long-time fans
of PPZ and decided
to strengthen their
connection with the
zoo by giving to help
build the red panda
exhibit. The Williams
have a family-wide love for
the outdoors and animals.
“The zoo allows us to be a
voice for animals, since they
don’t have one,” said Jeff
Williams.
AutoWorld was started by
Jeff and David’s father in
1971. He instilled in them
the importance of giving
back. This donation enables
them to continue their dad’s
giving philosophy.
“We recognize what an
asset Potter Park Zoo is in
our community,” said Jeff.
Meeko and Willow, Potter
Park Zoo’s two moose,
are anxiously waiting to
move into their new home.
The exhibit is on track
for completion in late fall,
according to Mike Hughes,
the zoo’s facilities manager.
“The foundation of the
building is done, water
and power are in and
crews are working to finish
landscaping around the
pond,” said Hughes. “Even
with the setbacks from
heavy rains this summer,
we’re still expecting to be
done by the end of the year.”
Exhibit construction kicked
off with a large matching
gift of $200,000 from the Hal
and Jean Glassen Foundation.
The Glassens were avid
hunters and conservationists.
They believed in the
management of wildlife and
started their foundation to
continue their lifelong goals,
including the support of
research and programs aimed
at habitat improvement.
The new moose exhibit will
expand living space and
replicate their natural habitat.
Willow and Meeko were both
rescued in Alaska. They came
to Potter Park Zoo from the
Alaska Zoo.
New homes for red
pandas and moose
CONSTRUCTION
ZONE
CONSTRUCTION
ZONEIntroducing the newest additions to Potter Park
Zoo’s animal collection and exhibits. Be sure to
stop by to see each of them when you next visit.
The penguin chick hatched this summer is now on exhibit with
the adult penguins. Potter Park Zoo has had nine chicks hatch in
the last 10 years. While penguins spend about 75 percent of their
time in water, they give birth on land. They can swim at speeds up
to 15 mph. See if you can pick out the newest chick.
PENGUIN
You’ll notice a few new faces in the tenrec exhibit.
They grow fast, so it may be hard to tell the young
tenrecs from the adults. Tenrecs are nocturnal,
and most hibernate in the winter. They live on a
diet of small animals, worms and insects.
These small mammals are found on
Madagascar and in parts of Africa.
TENREC
Potter Park Zoo’s king vulture has a new exhibit
thanks to Josh Tanke and Boy Scout Troop 77.
Josh built the exhibit, which is twice the size of
the old exhibit, for his Eagle Scout project.
KING VULTURE
See the new hanging parrot hanging out in
the Bird and Reptile Building, on exhibit with
the Asian spiny turtles. These small parrots
are found in tropical southern Asia.
HANGING PARROTS
New at the Zoo
6 ZOOTales6 ZOOTales ZOOTales 7

5. IT’S A UNIQUE
OPPORTUNITY.
WE LOOK
FORWARD TO IT
EVERY YEAR.”
B
oo at the Zoo has become
a tradition for the Adkins
family. Ashley and Nick take
their two sons to Potter Park Zoo’s
Halloween celebration almost
every year.
“Trick-or-treating around the
zoo, you can’t get that anywhere
else,” said Ashley. “It’s a unique
opportunity. We look forward to it
every year.”
Boo at the Zoo is a tradition for the
community, too. Little ghouls and
their families enjoy two weekends
of “spooktacular” fun. Each year,
nearly 12,000 guests come dressed
in costumes to experience the
wildly popular, not-so-scary Boo
Tunnel, hayrides and Halloween-
themed attractions scattered
throughout the zoo.
“One year, it was freezing cold and
raining, but we still went. We didn’t
want to miss out on Boo at the Zoo,”
said Ashley.
For the Adkins family, Boo at the Zoo
is a fun, affordable outing.
“We’re on a strict budget,” explained
Ashley. “When we see an event in the
community we can attend together for
under $20 – we’re going.”
Don’t miss the most popular
Halloween celebration in town.
OCT. 17-18 & 24-25
NOON TO 5 P.M.
EACH DAY
The Adkins family looks
forward to trick-or-treating
around the zoo every year
at Boo at the Zoo.
BOO AT
THE ZOO
2015
Nick has participated as a vendor at past Boo at the
Zoos. Hosting a booth allowed him to experience the
event from a different vantage point.
Favorite costumes worn to Boo at the Zoo for Logan,
7, and Eli, 6, have been a monkey and an engineer
pulling a Thomas the Train wagon. Nowadays, the
boys are more into superheroes, though. Ashley is
betting each will pick their top hero for Halloween
costumes this year.
During the four-day Halloween celebration,
close to 10,000 donuts are served and
more than 350 gallons of apple cider are
consumed. This year’s Boo at the Zoo
is expected to be the most
“spooktacular” ever.
a family
tradition
8 ZOOTales ZOOTales 9

6. T
he illegal wildlife trade is the
fourth-largest illicit trade in
the world. It’s a global crisis
affecting hundreds of species – many
endangered. Animals are exploited
for the exotic pet trade, traditional
medicines, meat, cultural status, pelts,
skulls, horns and ivory.
Money is the driving force behind
this issue. The global wildlife black
market is estimated at $10 billion to
$30 billion annually. Rhino horns and
elephant tusks are among the most
prized, garnering as much as $65,000
for one kilogram, which is more than
the price of gold. The International
Rhino Foundation reports that in the
last year more than 1,200 rhinos were
poached for their horns – and the
numbers are rising.
While poachers get most of the blame,
they only get a small percentage of the
profits. Although their share is small,
money from one or two poaching
expeditions is often enough to take
care of their families for a year. The
middlemen and end-of line sellers are
the ones making the enormous profits.
The booming economies in some
Asian countries have helped fuel this
demand and many large international
crime syndicates are now involved.
They are attracted to the large profits,
a small likelihood of getting caught
and minor penalties for those who are
convicted.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) recently launched an ambitious
project to curtail poaching. Project
SAFE – Saving Animals from
Extinction – is a new commitment by
229 AZA-accredited zoos/aquariums
to harness their collective resources
and partner with government
agencies, conservation organizations,
universities and local communities
to save specific endangered
species from extinction
by restoring healthy
populations in the wild.
ASK MR. DENNIS
??Question: What’s Potter
Park Zoo doing to combat
the illegal trade in wildlife?
SAFE builds on already existing
efforts, deepening the conservation
work done at the accredited zoos and
aquariums.
“At its core, SAFE represents a new
and unique opportunity to combat
the extinction crisis and save vital
species,” said Jim Maddy, president
and CEO of AZA in a recent press
release. “With thousands of scientists
and conservationists, AZA-accredited
zoos and aquariums are poised to
make a tremendous difference.”
As a Potter Park Zoo member, you can
help in the fight against the illegal
trade in wildlife. Visiting the zoo will
raise your awareness of endangered
species. In turn, you can help spread
the word by educating your friends
and family about this
critical issue.
10 ZOOTales10 ZOOTales ZOOTales 11

7. FALL into the
GIFT SHOP
Fall into Potter Park Zoo’s Gift Shop on your next visit and
check out the hot items for this season. Located adjacent
to the front entrance, the store is bursting with a collection
of brand new items to celebrate fall.
The shelves are filled with animal-themed gifts for all ages.
From a cuddly version of your favorite zoo animals to
educational books for learning more about conservation,
stylish zoo fashions and funky animal hats … the
assortment is endless.
We picked a few of our favorites of the season’s latest
items. See for yourself what’s to love at the PPZ gift shop.
POTTER PARK GIFT SHOP
Fall in on your next trip to the zoo
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Phone: (517) 483-4222, ext. 8
Pat Fountain, Potter
Park Zoo’s rhino keeper,
connected with rhino
professionals from all over
the world at the recent
International Rhino Keeper
Association’s Workshop in
Chester, England.
The week-long conference broadened Pat’s network of
resources and provided a knowledgeable team he can go
to for answers to most any question about rhino care.
“I had the opportunity to talk to experts across the world,”
said Pat. “They shared stories and I shared, too. We all
have valuable experiences to offer each other in the field.”
Topics covered at the semi-annual event included the
care and management of rhinos. From foot care to
skin treatments and testing iron levels in the blood,
presentations offered new methods and research to
improve quality of life. Speakers from Disney’s Animal
Kingdom, Al Bustan’s Zoological Center and the Tulsa Zoo
shared best practices from each facility.
Rhino conservation was a hot topic at this year’s
workshop, with updates on what’s being done to protect
rhinos in the wild, including the use of tracking dogs to
find poachers.
“Hearing firsthand from those directly involved brought
what’s actually being done closer to home,” said Pat.
The number of rhinos being poached is rising as the value
of rhino horns continues to increase.
International rhino
conference expands
PPZ’s expert network
PPZ’s chapter of the American
Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
nearly doubled the funds raised at its
second annual Bowling for Rhinos.
The event raises funds to conserve
rhino habitats in east Africa.
Bowling for Rhinos
doubles money raised
“Last year, 1,215 rhinos were poached in southern
Africa,” said Pat. “That’s the highest number ever
recorded in a year.”
Pat plans to stay connected to those he met at this
conference -- and he’s looking forward to the next
IRKA conference in 2017.
“Last year was our first-ever event.
We raised $2,600 and hoped to double
it this year,” said Melissa Lincoln, PPZ
zoo keeper. “We doubled the number
of participants with 100 bowlers this
year and raised $4,468.”
PPZ keepers joined together to
start a local AAZK chapter last year.
The national organization is the
industry source for careers in animal
care, providing opportunities for
professional development, continuing
education, research, conservation
efforts and peer-to-peer discussions.
PPZ’s AAZK chapter is
expanding its efforts to support
conservation of big cats in the
wild. The fundraiser Painting
with a Purpose: Giving Back
One Canvas at a Time! is slated
for Jan. 20, 2016. Money raised
will benefit RUAHA Carnivore
Project, which helps improve
conservation strategies in
Tanzania. Register for the event at
www.paintingwithatwist.
com/events/viewevent.
aspx?eventID=480741
$35 regular | $30 members
Must be 21 or over to attend
More info & tickets at potterparkzoo.org
Wed,Dec2,2015 5-8p.m.
Sample food and adult beverages as you meander
through the zoo and experience our holiday light display.
12 ZOOTales ZOOTales 13

8. Potter Park Zoo is excited to be on
Yahoo Travel’s newly released list
of the best zoos in America. Zoos
across the country were hailed for
outstanding characteristics and
unique offerings.
Yahoo described
PPZ as just the
right size for
an afternoon of
animal watching.
The meerkats
received a special shout out on the
list, too. Apparently the folks at
Yahoo Travel love meerkats. Check
out Yahoo’s list of the best zoos in
every state here: www.yahoo.com/
travel/go-wild-the-best-zoo-in-
every-state-120496231352.html
The newly created Green Team is
looking at ways for PPZ to better
embody the zoo’s conservation
mission.
“We’re working to find ways to
reduce energy use, conserve
water and decrease waste,” said
George Berghorn, PPZ Advisory
Board member and Green Team
chair.
In leading this effort, George
offers his expertise and
experience in sustainability
and construction management.
Having earned a doctoral degree
in construction management
from Michigan State University,
he is now an assistant professor
of construction management
in MSU’s School of Planning,
Design and Construction. He
also runs his own consulting
business. George is spearheading
Yahoo awards
Potter Park Zoo
best zoo in state
PPZ getting greener
with new Green Team
a sustainability assessment for
PPZ, reviewing everything from
recycling methods to lighting,
waste management and water use.
The Green Team’s 15 members
represent every area of the zoo.
Meeting monthly, the group serves
as a valuable source on how things
are currently being done and will
help implement some of the ideas
generated from the review.
Sustainability is becoming
increasingly important for
businesses. The Association
of Zoos and Aquariums has an
advisory committee dedicated
to helping zoos adopt more
sustainable practices. About
20 of the 218 AZA-accredited
zoos are considered leaders in
sustainability. Potter Park Zoo is
excited to join these leading zoos.
ZOOTales 1514 ZOOTales ZOOTales 15

9. Potter Park Zoological Society
1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI 48912-1646
Adam and Erica Miedema have participated in many fundraiser walks for the Multiple
Sclerosis Society. As part of Team Monster, led by MS activists Dan and Jennifer
Digmann, the Miedemas have been to walks across the state. By far their favorite
walk, though, was last spring at Potter Park Zoo.
“It was an awesome sight to see a line extending deep into the parking lot with
participants waiting to walk in support of MS,” said Adam.
MS Walks are not a competition or race. It’s more of a slow moving event
where everyone participates, those who can walk and those who can’t, Adam
explained. Wheelchairs, walkers and even babies in strollers are involved.
“Having the event at the zoo gave us the chance to look at and watch the
animals as you passed by,” said Adam.
This particular MS Walk was extra special for the Miedemas. It was the
first trip to Potter Park Zoo for their son Maximus. They were excited to
watch his little head turn to and fro to see all the animals.
Cool temperatures kept Maximus wrapped up in his stroller, causing
him to sleep through the first part of the walk. But he eventually
woke and quickly discovered his favorite animal.
“He was so intrigued by the river otters swimming and splashing
around,” said Erica. “He put both hands on the glass and starting
talking to the otters. They must have noticed him; they swam
right in front of him and were showing off.”
Now, on every trip to PPZ, they head straight to the river
otters. As for Mom’s and Dad’s favorite animals, Erica loves
the red panda, while Adam, who says he’s more “old school,”
prefers the lions and tigers. liked the lions and tigers.
Remember your favorite trip to Potter Park Zoo?
Perhaps you were a child or brought a young
one to see the animals? Share your memories
with us and we will share them with our
readers in a future issue. Send your tales to
zoocontact@ingham.org.
Team Monster’s
favorite MS Walk
MS activists Dan and Jennifer Digmann lead
Team Monster, supporting the Multiple
Sclerosis Society in many walks every year.
Adam Miedema and son Maximus enjoy
an up-close view of the river otters.
Erica and Maximus Miedema
check out the camels during
the MS Walk at the zoo.
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