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Buffalo Zoo to Celebrate Endangered Species Day
 Buffalo, N.Y. (May 14 2013) – The Buffalo Zoo will host endangered species day activities.The event will take place on Friday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be stations set up around the Zoo featuring animal encounters, biofacts, crafts, games, and information about what you can do to help save and preserve the planet’s endangered animals. The five stations will be:
Mega animal station – gazebo lawn
Primate station – gorilla vestibule
Carnivore station – lawn near lions & tigers
Herpetology station – reptile house
Tropical animal station – M&T Bank Rainforest Falls
Endangered species day is celebrated every year on the third Friday in May. Parks, wildlife refuges, Zoos, aquariums, and other organizations around the country participate by holding events to educate citizens about endangered species and how they can help to protect wildlife. Endangered species day activities are free with regular Zoo admission For more information about endangered species day at the Buffalo Zoo, call (716) 995-6133.
Orphaned Polar Bear Cub Flies UPS to the Buffalo Zoo
Kali leaves the Alaska Zoo to join polar bear cub Luna at the Buffalo Zoo
 With the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Zoo, and UPS Kali, the polar bear cub rescued in March from the Point Lay area of Alaska, arrived at the Buffalo Zoo on May 15. Kali (pronounced Cully, the Inupiat name for Point Lay), a 65-pound cub, will join young female cub Luna where both cubs will benefit from each other’s company. Under the care of Alaska Zoo staff Kali has adjusted well to his surroundings, more than tripling in size and weight
.“The Alaska Zoo has done a tremendous job of providing excellent, temporary care for Kali,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “I would like to personally thank the zoo for stepping up – at moment’s notice – to care for this cub. Now, as Kali leaves Alaska for his next short-term home, we are confident that the Buffalo Zoo will provide the best of care for Kali as the Service makes a final determination on a permanent home for the cub.”
On March 12, the Service received word that a female polar bear had been shot near Point Lay, Alaska. The adult female was accompanied by a cub, which was transferred first to the community of Point Lay, and then to the North Slope Borough’s Department of Wildlife Management in Barrow, Alaska. After the cub was examined and observed to be in good condition, the Service asked the Alaska Zoo to temporarily care for it. Alaska Airlines flew the cub to Anchorage where it was met by Service and Alaska Zoo staff.
“The Alaska Zoo is proud of its long history of partnering with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide a home for orphaned and abandoned wildlife,” said Alaska Zoo Director Pat Lampi. “The zoo’s staff has more than 100 years of direct staff experience in raising rescued polar bear cubs.”
Dubbed “Operation Kali,” Kali’s trip from Anchorage to Buffalo has been arranged and funded by M&T Bank, one of the Buffalo Zoo’s long-standing corporate sponsors. Kali will be accompanied by Alaska Zoo Executive Director Patrick Lampi and Zoo Curator Shannon Jensen along with Dr. Kurt Volle, a veterinarian with the Buffalo Zoo. Kali and crew will take off from Anchorage for Buffalo, New York, on a UPS 747- 400 jet on May 14 at 3:09 pm and will arrive in Buffalo on May 15 at 5:16 am after a short layover and plane change at Worldport, UPS’s international air hub in Louisville, Kentucky. On the Louisville to Buffalo leg, Kali will fly aboard a UPS 767, newly fitted with fuel-saving winglets. The 4,400-mile door-to-door time from the Alaska Zoo to the Buffalo Zoo is estimated at 14 hours. Kali’s crate will be the last item loaded on the plane and the first item unloaded
The veterinarian will check on the cub during the flight. Dr. Donna Fernandes, president of the Buffalo Zoo, will greet the Alaskan contingent upon arrival in Buffalo. The cubs will be exhibited together at the zoo once Kali reaches Buffalo.
“We are thrilled to receive Kali,” said Fernandes. “Recovery of orphaned cubs is one of the reasons we are building our new polar bear habitat, Arctic Edge. Both cubs will benefit immensely from the opportunity to play with one another to ensure that they learn to be bears and not become too attached to human caretakers.”
“As the Buffalo Zoo moves forward with its plans for a new world-class polar bear exhibit, we're excited to help bring Kali to Buffalo to join Luna, allowing our neighbors to enjoy learning more about these amazing animals,” said M&T Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Michele Trolli.
Kali’s journey from the Arctic coastal plain to the Alaska Zoo to the Buffalo Zoo is the result of collaboration among the people of Point Lay, the North Slope Borough, the North Slope Borough Police Department, the Alaska Zoo, Alaska Airlines, the Buffalo Zoo, M&T Bank, United Parcel Service, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Polar Bear Species Survival Plan® (SSP) management group and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The Service will make a final determination on a permanent home for the polar bear cub based on consideration of multiple criteria, including staff experience and expertise, quality of facilities, and the age, sex and temperament of bears currently in the zoo’s collection. Zoos have been an important partner for the conservation of many species, and as climate change continues to threaten polar bear habitat the Service will work closely with the AZA, the Polar Bear SSP and zoos across the country to ensure the proper placement and care of any additional polar bear cubs that may need future care.
For more information about polar bear conservation, visit
http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/pbmain.htm
Naming Contest for Polar Bear Cub Concludes
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Apr. 25 2013) – A naming contest that the Buffalo Zoo conducted to select a permanent name for their polar bear cub has ended. The cub will keep what started as her nickname among zookeepers and will be officially known as Luna.
The Zoo began soliciting name suggestions for the cub via their Facebook page in March. They received hundreds of suggestions from residents of Western New York and around the world! Earlier this month, the cub’s keepers narrowed down a few of their favorites. The Zoo let the public vote between five choices.
A whopping 82% of the tallied votes were for Luna, the nickname her keepers gave the cub when she was born.
The Zoo held the naming contest to encourage the community to participate in the cub’s naming process. Her keepers were delighted to learn that the public liked the nickname as much as they did.
For updates about Luna, please visit the Zoo’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BuffaloZoo
Picture Polar Bears Around Western New York for Zoo’s Photo Editing Contest!
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Apr. 16 2013) – The Buffalo Zoo in collaboration with the Buffalo News are asking Western New Yorkers to imagine polar bears around Western New York for their “Our Bears Belong in Buffalo” digital photo editing contest.
The Buffalo Zoo has provided three images of polar bears, including one of the very popular cub, Luna. They are asking Western New Yorkers to imagine polar bears in their favorite locations all over town, and use their photo editing skills to put them there!
Anyone interested in participating in the contest can find more information and the
downloadable polar bear images online at www.BuffaloZoo.org. Entries will be accepted through May 15.
All submissions will be available for viewing online, and everyone can vote for their
favorites! The three contestants with the most votes will win the contest.
- 1st Place: A $100 gift card to Casa Di Pizza, four Dipson movie passes, and one family pass to the Buffalo Zoo.
- 2nd Place: Two passes to the Darwin Martin House and one family pass to the Buffalo Zoo.
- 3rd Place: A $10 gift card to Bagel Jay’s and one family pass to the Buffalo Zoo.
Polar Bear Cub to Go On Exhibit for Public View
Buffalo, N.Y. (Mar 28, 2013) – The Buffalo Zoo’s polar bear cub will be out on exhibit during public hours beginning Friday, March 29.
Visitors to the Buffalo Zoo can view the now famous cub, nicknamed Luna, during limited viewing hours every day from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the exotic domestic animals exhibit near the Zoo’s main entrance.
The cub’s keepers have determined that she is now big enough to be outside on exhibit for short durations of time. They will continue to observe her progress and extend her time outside as she develops.
The Zoo will continue to display a live video feed of the cub on a closed-circuit television in the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. until further notice.
The cub’s schedule is subject to change, so any visitors who are interested in seeing the cub can call the Zoo at (716)837-3900 to confirm when the cub will be on exhibit or video feed.The Zoo will also continue to post regular updates on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/BuffaloZoo.
Buffalo Zoo and Polar Bears International Present Paw of Approval Award to Natale Builders
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Mar. 7 2013) – The Buffalo Zoo, in conjunction with Polar Bears International (PBI,) has awarded the 2013 Paw of Approval Award to Natale Builders.
On March 6, President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, Donna Fernandes, along with Polar Bears International (PBI) President and CEO, Robert W. Buchanan, presented the Paw of Approval Award to Angelo Natale of Natale Builders.
The Paw of Approval Award program was launched by PBI in 2010 to recognize
organizations making efforts to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions in their
communities.
The Buffalo Zoo and PBI are proud to recognize Natale Builders for their work in reducing carbon emissions here in Western New York. “We are so pleased that a local business is making such strides towards sustainability,” said Fernandes. Almost 95% of Natale Builders construction is green homes.
Natale Builders specialize in building unique custom homes in Western New York using the latest green and efficient building techniques. For more information, visit
www.natalebuilders.com.
Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat through research, stewardship, and education. Visit their web site to learn more about their programs at
www.polarbearsinternational.org.
The Buffalo Zoo is part of PBI’s network of Arctic Ambassador Center Zoos. These centers focus on animal well-being and enrichment and also play a leadership role in stewardship of sustainability and carbon reduction efforts in their communities.
Buffalo Zoo Membership Fees to Increase April 1
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Mar. 15 2013) The Buffalo Zoo invites members of the Western New York community and surrounding areas to beat the increase in membership pricing by becoming Zoo members by March 31.
All members of the Buffalo Zoo receive a variety of benefits including free admission to the Zoo, discounts to the Zootique gift shop, access to members-only special events, discounted admission at other zoos, members-only benefits at local businesses, and much more.
Pricing for some membership categories will increase on April 1, 2013. Prices will be as follows:
Individual $40
Individual Plus* $55
Grandparents $60 (currently $50)
Grandparents Plus* $70 (currently $60)
Family $75 (currently $65)
Family Plus* $90 (currently $80)
Supporting** $135 (currently $125)
*Allows ONE additional guest per visit.
**Allows TWO additional guests per visit.
To purchase a membership, you may visit the Buffalo Zoo, call (716) 995-3131, or visit www.buffalozoo.org
Help Keep Our Polar Bear in Buffalo!
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Mar. 1 2013) – The Buffalo Zoo announced the next phase of fundraising for the new polar bear exhibit, and introduced a polar bear cub to the public.
The Buffalo Zoo has spent the past two years raising over $14 million of the $18 million needed to build a new entrance and polar bear exhibit. They are now asking residents of Western New York and the surrounding community to help raise the remaining $4 million required to build the exhibit and keep polar bears in Buffalo.
The Zoo also introduced a polar bear cub to the public for the first time. The Buffalo Zoo is one of only two zoos in North America to have polar bear births this year. The cub was born on November 27th to mother Anana, sired by Nanuq, and has been hand raised by the Zoo’s veterinary technician and keeper staff.
Though the cub is currently too small to go on exhibit for the public, she will be visible on a closed-circuit television in the Zoo’s M&T Bank Rainforest Falls Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. until 3.p.m. The Zoo will also post regular updates to their website and Facebook page.
The Zoo hopes that seeing the cub will encourage the Western New York community to make their polar pledge to the campaign, so that they can build the Arctic Edge exhibit and keep the cub in Buffalo.
Make your polar pledge today by texting zoobear to 56512, or CLICK HERE.
For more information about how to help, please call (716) 995-6131. For updates
about the polar bear cub, please visit buffalozoo.org, or the Zoo’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/BuffaloZoo
The Buffalo Zoo wishes to thank Synacom Networks, Inc. for their assistance in making the video feed of the polar bear cub possible.
Buffalo Zoo Welcomes New Animals
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Nov. 5 2012) – The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to welcome new animals to their collection. Among the new arrivals are a rhinoceros, a giraffe, and seven leaf frogs.
A male giraffe named Moke (mo-key) arrived in Buffalo in September from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, MO. The year-old Rothschild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschild) was brought to Buffalo to breed with the Zoo’s two female reticulated giraffes.
George, a male Asian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is another new Buffalo resident. Owned by the National Zoo in Washington D.C, he came to Buffalo via the Bronx Zoo as part of a cooperative breeding program. The three-thousand-pound rhino will not reach sexual maturity for at least another two years, when he will be introduced to the Zoo’s female rhino, Tashi. He is expected to reach between five and six-thousand pounds. The Zoo recently completed updates to the existing rhino barn and yard to accommodate the rhino bull.
Zookeepers are also excited to add seven Solomon Islands leaf frogs (Ceratobatrachus guentheri) to the Zoo’s collection. What makes these frogs special is that they hatch as froglets, skipping the tadpole stage entirely. The leaf frogs will be on exhibit in the Zoo’s reptile house after their quarantine period. The frogs came to Buffalo from the Dallas Zoo.
Visit the Buffalo Zoo and meet the new residents! The Zoo recommends calling before you visit to find out when the animals will be on exhibit. For information about the Zoo’s hours of operation, please call (716) 837-3900, or visit buffalozoo.org.
Buffalo Zoo Says Bon Voyage to Polar Bear Nanuq
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Oct. 9 2012) – The Buffalo Zoo will host a going away party for polar bear Nanuq this weekend.
The event will take place on Saturday October 13 and Sunday October 14 during regular Zoo hours. Activities will include keeper talks, polar bear feedings, polar bear slushies, and a bear-sized “bon voyage” card for children to sign. The first 100 children through the gates each day will receive special polar bear finger puppets. The Bon Voyage activities are free with regular Zoo admission. Anyone who brings in a Goya Foods item to donate to the Food bank of WNY will receive $1 off admission.
The bears are leaving so that the Zoo can prepare for demolition and construction of its new Arctic Edge exhibit.
Though construction for Arctic Edge is not slated to begin until the spring, Nanuq, the Zoo’s male polar bear, is leaving the Zoo now so that he may be acclimated to his new Zoo habitat in time for the next breeding season. Departure plans for Anana, the Zoo’s female polar bear, are not yet finalized.
Construction for the new Arctic Edge exhibit is expected to begin in spring 2013. The exhibit, which will also house bald eagle, arctic wolf, and Canadian lynx, is projected to open in 2015.
For more information about Bon Voyage Polar Bears event, call (716) 995-6133.
The Buffalo Zoo thanks Goya Foods for sponsoring the current bear exhibit.
NOCO Donates to THE BUFFALO ZOO
Company and Newman family donations to Zoo exceed $200,000
 Buffalo, NY – Family owned and locally operated NOCO will donate $45,000 to the Buffalo Zoo as part of a three-year commitment in support of the Sea Lion Cove, an exhibit NOCO has been proud to support since 2005. The Sea Lion Cove is home of the Zoo’s California sea lions, Dallas and Pocus. Dallas and Pocus live in a 150,000 gallon saltwater tank and are Buffalo’s only resident sea lions.
In addition, Don Newman, family patriarch and former NOCO president, donates annually to the Buffalo Zoo and has contributed significantly to the new polar bear exhibit currently under construction.
“As a third generation family owned and locally operated business with nearly eighty years of service to the Western New York community, it’s important for us to support local and dynamic cultural organizations in the communities we serve,” said President James D. Newman. “The Buffalo Zoo is truly one of our region’s cultural gems and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with them in offering quality exhibits for visitors of all ages.”
For over 10 years, NOCO and the Newman family have been proud supporters of the Buffalo Zoo, with more than $200,000 in donations. In addition to the Sea Lion Cove, NOCO has previously sponsored the Zoo’s playground and bison yard.
“We are blessed and privileged to have such a great partnership with NOCO and the Newman family. Their commitment to the Zoo and the community is exemplary,” said Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Donna Fernandes. “We have a tremendous collaboration with NOCO and the Newman family and look forward to a great future working together to enhance this fabulous cultural icon for our community and beyond.”
The Buffalo Zoo Breaks Ground for New Entrance
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Sept. 20, 2012) – The Buffalo Zoo held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new entry plaza this morning.
Many local dignitaries were in attendance as the Zoo’s President and CEO, Donna Fernandes discussed plans for the new entrance as well as a future Arctic Edge exhibit.
The Buffalo Zoo’s entrance will move from its current location on Parkside Avenue to a 75-year-old building directly adjacent to the Zoo’s parking lot. The new entry plaza is expected to open in the spring of 2013. The area currently occupied by the entrance will become part of the new Arctic Edge exhibit.
For more information about the Zoo’s new entrance or exhibits, call (716) 995-6129.
Buffalo Zoo Receives Award for Interactive Educational Programming
 Buffalo, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2012) – The Buffalo Zoo received a 2011-2012 CILC Pinnacle Award Honorable Mention from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) for its distance learning programs.
The award is presented annually to organizations delivering outstanding interactive videoconferencing programs for grades K-12. Recipients are chosen based on teacher evaluations submitted through the CILC Web site.
The Buffalo Zoo’s distance learning programs provide students in Western New York and across the country with an opportunity to explore science by seeing live interactive footage of exhibits, animals, and staff at the Zoo without leaving their classrooms. For more information about these programs, call (716) 837-3900 ext 143 or visit http://buffalozoo.org/distance_learning.html.
The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) is a not-for-profit organization specializing in the access to applications and the utilization of video conferencing for live interactive content and professional development, as well as Web-based collaborative learning environments for K-20 education. For more information about the CILC, visit http://www.cilc.org/.
Buffalo Zoological Society’s New Board of Directors Announced
Buffalo, NY—At their annual meeting on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, the Zoological Society of Buffalo elected the following new members to the Board of Directors:
Douglas C. Bean
Chief Operating Officer, EMA Eric Mower + Associates
Todd W. Brason
CEO, WILLCARE
B. Scott Fisher
Senior Vice President Retail Channels Director, First Niagara Financial Group
David P. Flynn
Partner, Phillips Lytle
Willie D. Jones Jr.
CEO, Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Programs
Eric S. Reich
President, Campus Labs
Lixin Zhang, MD, PhD
Medical Director, Dent Neurologic Institute
Officers for the coming year will be:
Chairman: Dorothy T. Ferguson
Ferguson Family Foundation
Vice Chairmen: Barbara T. Baker
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, Hunt Real Estate Era
Jonathan A. Dandes
President, Rich Baseball Operations, The Buffalo Bisons
Robert A. Fox
President and CEO, Conax Technologies LLC
Michele D. Trolli
CIO, Executive Vice President Technology & Banking Operations, M&T Bank
Treasurer: Robert D. Yalowich
Partner, Skrobacz & Company, CPA’s PC
Secretary: Amy Habib Rittling
Partner, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP
“Buy the Animals Lunch” Campaign to Run Through July
 Buffalo, NY– Help show your support for the animals at the Buffalo Zoo by buying them lunch!
Beginning Sunday, July 1 until Tuesday, July 31, 2012, you can add $1 to your gift, food or membership purchases at the Zoo. All proceeds will benefit the Adopt an Animal program and go toward the purchase of food for the Zoo’s animal residents.
Visitors can “buy the animals lunch” at the Zootique Gift Shop, Beastro concession stand and Guest Services Office located at the main gate on Parkside Ave. Those who support this campaign will receive an “I Helped Buy the Animals Lunch” heart-shaped card. After filling the card out with your name, you may opt to keep the card or have it displayed at the Zoo.
With an annual grocery bill of more than $250,000, the Zoo’s Adopt an Animal program raises the funds needed to feed the 1,200 animal residents. In addition to the “Buy the Animals Lunch” summer campaign, animal adoptions are available year-round. Several categories with corresponding benefits are offered. Choose your own favorite animal to support or purchase a gift adoption to help make a difference!
For more information about the Zoo’s annual adoption program, please call (716) 995-6131.
Wayne D. Wisbaum to Receive The Buffalo Zoo’s Highest Honor, The Friend of Wildlife Award
 Buffalo, NY– The Buffalo Zoo’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Wayne D. Wisbaum, a long-time supporter of the Zoo, will be receiving the Zoo’s highest honor, The Friend of Wildlife Award. The award will be presented to Mr. Wisbaum during the Zoo’s annual black-tie gala, Catillion, on Friday, June 8, 2012.
A member of the Zoological Society’s Board of Directors for nearly 30 years, Wayne D. Wisbaum has provided keen insight and wise counsel on a variety of issues for the Buffalo Zoo. During his tenure, he has served on virtually every committee of the Board, including five years as a member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Wisbaum was named Director Emeritus of the Buffalo Zoo in 2005 when he left his board seat. However, he has remained just as active and committed to the Zoo and has continued to work tirelessly on behalf of the Zoo and its efforts to fund and fully implement the new Master Plan.
In addition to his Zoo duties, Mr. Wisbaum is an active member of the Western New York Community, holding board seats at various times with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Kleinhans Music Hall, the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, Buffalo Council on World Affairs, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Daemen College, Irish Classical Theatre Company and Artpark and Company.
A senior partner in the law firm Kavinoky Cook LLP, he is a graduate of Cornell University and the Harvard University Law School. Mr. Wisbaum and his wife Janet can often be found visiting the Zoo in the company of their eight grandchildren.
Mr. Wisbaum is the recipient of numerous honors, including awards from the New York State Bar Association and the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society and was also named Outstanding Citizen of the year by The Buffalo News.
The Zoo’s Board of Directors is proud to recognize an individual who demonstrates his love of wildlife by being a constant advocate for and strong supporter of the Buffalo Zoo.
The Buffalo Zoo and Erie 1 BOCES Partner to Offer Unique ZooTech School Programs
 Buffalo, NY – ZooTech, school programs co-developed by the Buffalo Zoo and Erie 1 BOCES, are now available to all school districts in the Erie 1 BOCES region.
Officially launched in November 2011, the ZooTech programs are designed to incorporate technology with the Zoo’s everyday “living laboratory” of animal residents. Lessons taught under the ZooTech programs are designed for students of all ages and cover a wide variety of subjects. The ZooTech programs have fully been developed as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs that fulfill education standards in a fun and unique way.
"As part of the program, we will help teachers translate their examples into lessons that will align with NYS Common Core Learning Standards," said Julianna Sciolino, manager of professional development at Erie 1 BOCES. "After instituting their lessons in the classroom, the students will attend class at the Buffalo Zoo to interact with the concepts they have been learning. Finally, the students will utilize technology to create and publish examples of their new knowledge."
“This is certainly not your traditional fieldtrip,” said Tiffany Vanderwerf, the Buffalo Zoo’s Curator of Education. “By being surrounded by some of the world’s most amazing animal species, the ZooTech programs allow a variety of subjects to be more deeply explored by using advanced technology. Aside from the STEM-related curriculum connections, a social studies teacher can deepen their students’ understanding of world hemispheres and an art teacher can discuss exhibit design.”
On Friday, May 18, 2012, a Sweet Home Senior High School 9th grade class, under the direction of chemistry teacher, John Elliot, will participate in a ZooTech program that features the theme “Evolution: Beyond Darwin’s Voyage.” Students will be immersed in an interactive exploration of evolution. By challenging students to act as though they have discovered a new island (“Zoo Island”, this program allows them to experience the breakthrough that Charles Darwin made more than 180 years ago.
As part of the lesson plan, the program implements technology with use of evolution simulations and flip cameras. Students will gain an understanding of common ancestry and create a wildlife documentary that features video they take of the Zoo’s animal residents.
"It is our hope that the Buffalo Zoo trip will be beneficial to students by giving them a chance to use technology (internet research, video shooting/editing) to create a visual examination of evolutionary relationships among live animal specimens,” said John Elliot, chemistry teacher at Sweet Home Senior High School. “This will create an authentic learning experience that will ideally anchor their understanding of evolution and allow them to draw conclusions from events and items they encounter in their day to day lives. They will then share these videos with the rest of the class, allowing them to become educators."
While the students create their documentaries at the Buffalo Zoo, Erie 1 BOCES professional development coordinator, James Dailey, will provide the students with multimedia assistance. On May 22, an Erie 1 BOCES representative will also offer in-class assistance with the importing of the students’ captured video into iMovie.
For more information about the ZooTech programs, please call the Buffalo Zoo at (716) 995-6128 or CLICK HERE.
Buffalo Zoo’s Young Indian Rhino Moves to African Lion Safari in Canada
 Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Zoo’s young female Indian rhinoceros, Clover, will be celebrating her fourth birthday on March 1 in her new home at the African Lion Safari in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
On Thursday, February 23, Buffalo Zoo staff bid farewell to Clover, who was born at the Zoo in 2008. Animal keepers named her “Clover” in honor of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
Clover was safely transported to African Lion Safari where one of her keepers from the Buffalo Zoo will also help participate in her care for the next several days to ease the transition to her new home.
Clover’s mother, Tashi, took excellent care of her young one, who was the second Indian rhinoceros to be born at the Buffalo Zoo. Clover’s sister, Ashakiran was born on September 15, 2004 and now resides at the Toronto Zoo. Clover will be paired with a male rhino at the African Lion Safari in hopes that they will breed and continue to help secure the species’ future.
The breeding of Tashi and Henry, Clover and Ashakiran’s father, was recommended as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help a species maintain a healthy and stable captive population. Before a breeding recommendation is even made, the SSP traces genetic lines of each animal and looks to see if there will be room for another rhino in an accredited facility. These efforts are made to prevent inbreeding and overcrowding at accredited zoos.
Found in northern India and southern Nepal, the endangered Indian rhinoceros is the largest of the Asian rhino species. Fewer than 200 of them were thought to exist in the wild during the early 20th century, but due to strict protection from the Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, numbers have increased to approximately 2,500.
Grants Boost Erie Canal Education, Preservation, and Tourism
 Buffalo, NY- The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, in partnership with the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, awarded $43,700 in grants to assist organizations with canal-related education, preservation, and tourism projects.
Seven organizations from Albany to Buffalo received funding, including one in Western New York: The Buffalo Zoo (Buffalo), Albany Institute of History and Art (Albany), Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (Chittenango), Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse), New York Folklore Society (Schenectady), Schenectady Museum & Suits–Bueche Planetarium (Schenectady), and The Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York/WCNY (Syracuse).
“Distributing grants is critical to helping organizations develop new programs or advance their missions, especially in tight economic times,” said Judy Schmidt Dean, Commission Chair. “We are thrilled to be able to fund these worthy projects in 2012.”
“We are extremely proud to be named one of the recipients of these grants,” said Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO. “Our goal with the Delta Sonic Heritage Farm is to depict life on a small family farm located along the Erie Canal in the 1850s. Support from the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, and our partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, will allow us to develop programming that combines environmental education with Canal history to engage thousands of school children each year.”
The Buffalo Zoo, in partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, received $5,500 to develop a new education program to focus on the interconnectedness of people, the local environment, and the Erie Canal, both past and present. The program will challenge students to consider how the Erie Canal affected (and continues to affect) not only people and society, but also domestic animals, wildlife, and natural habitats in New York State.
“With the help of these federal funds Western New York’s rich Erie Canal history comes to life in a fun, interpretive way for families,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “I commend the Historical Society, the Zoo and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission for creating this partnership that will educate future generations of the Erie Canal’s critical role in the great rise of our region.”
“What a unique learning experience students will have through this program,” said Tom Blanchard, Chair of the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund. “Providing this type of hands-on learning for youth will help bring to life the rich Erie Canal history that is all around us in Buffalo.”
Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday at the Buffalo Zoo!
Birthday Parties Offered Year-Round
Buffalo, NY – Throw a “wild” birthday party for your child at the Buffalo Zoo!
Birthday parties are available most Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., all year long. Each party includes room rental, decorations, full admission to the Zoo, a guided tour to the exhibit of your choice, party gift bags for each child, pizza and soda for the kids, a special gift for the guest of honor, a dedicated party host to lead you through all of the fun and a live animal demonstration.
Prices are $12/child for member-hosted parties and $15/child for non-member-hosted parties. (Please note that there is a party minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 25 children.) The Buffalo Zoo birthday party program allows for a total of FOUR adults (two adults sponsoring the party and two additional adults to assist as chaperones) to attend the birthday party for free. Additional adults may attend for an additional fee (unless they have a Buffalo Zoo membership or guest passes).
For more information or to schedule a birthday party, please call (716) 995-6128 or CLICK HERE
Puerto Rican Crested Tadpoles Shipped For Release Into Wild
BUFFALO, NY—On Tuesday, November 15, the Buffalo Zoo’s herp keepers gathered up 46 threatened tadpoles and prepared to ship them to Puerto Rico, where they will be released into one of several sites in southern Puerto Rico.
Found only in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican crested toads have rough, warty skin and are olive green and brown in color, with shades of yellow on their heads. As their name implies, they also have a high bony ridge on their heads, which forms a “V” shaped structure.
In 1984, the Puerto Rican crested toad became the first amphibian to be placed in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help a species maintain a healthy and stable population. For more than 20 years, the Buffalo Zoo has been dedicated in working to save the Puerto Rican crested toad, which has become endangered due, in large part, to habitat loss. In recognition of the Reptile Department’s long-standing breeding efforts, the Buffalo Zoo was honored with the AZA’s Edward H. Bean Award in 1985, and was one of 22 zoos to receive the North American Conservation Award in 2004 for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad Species Survival Program Conservation Partnership.
Currently, 28 AZA institutions house Puerto Rican crested toad populations. The Buffalo Zoo is one of only a few zoos this year to hatch tadpoles. This is the first time since 2006 that the Buffalo Zoo has sent tadpoles to Puerto Rico to be released into the wild. The tadpoles are scheduled to arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Wednesday afternoon and will be released the same day.
BUFFALO ZOO AND POLAR BEARS INTERNATIONAL GIVE FIRST LOCAL PAW OF APPROVAL AWARD TO NICHOLS SCHOOL
 Buffalo, N.Y. – The Buffalo Zoo, in conjunction with Polar Bears International (PBI), has awarded its first annual “Paw of Approval” Award to Nichols School. On April 27, Buffalo Zoo President and CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, and Polar Bears International (PBI) President and CEO, Robert W. Buchanan presented the Paw of Approval Award to Head of School, Rick Bryan, who accepted the Award on behalf of Nichols during a presentation that also included one of the School’s fifth-grade classes.
PBI launched the Paw of Approval Award program in 2010. This honor recognizes businesses and organizations that make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint by introducing initiatives to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This year, PBI expanded the program by reaching out to its Arctic Ambassador Centers, like the Buffalo Zoo, to acknowledge local organizations who are putting conservation measures at the forefront of their plans.
Nichols School was selected as the recipient of the Award for taking great strides in reducing its carbon footprint through the Big Green Initiative, a wide-ranging approach to campus sustainability, focusing on campus energy, materials, land and water use. Projects resulting from this initiative include conserving resources, composting food scraps, natural landscaping and incorporating sustainability education into its curriculum. The initiative promotes environmental literacy and sustainability education by involving all aspects of the School community.
Nichols also opened the Class of 1963 Center for Mathematics and Science in January 2010. The 24,000 square-foot facility boasts a sustainable design and numerous eco-friendly features. Among these are: a green roof, tinted window glass, south facing hallways, energy efficient lighting, concrete floors, reused desks and tables, a rain garden, energy saving sinks and toilets, hand dryers and sensor lighting.
The Award given to Nichols consists of a framed, limited-edition polar bear photograph by Daniel J. Cox of Natural Exposures.
“The PBI Paw of Approval Award recognizes environmental leadership within our community,” said Fernandes. “We’re very proud to announce Nichols School as our first recipient.”
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