volume 6 number 5

September/October 1977

Contents

3 Evolution

10 ZooNews

12 FONZNews

23 Calendar

Front Cover: The Cyrano of primates, the

rare proboscis monkey is a first ever at the

National Zoo.

Back Cover: Playing the role of a spotted

cat, a budding zoologist discovers the fun

of learning by doing at the new ZooLab.

Design-Production:

Monica Johansen Morgan

Copy Editor:

Mary Massey

Photographs on front cover, pp. 8, 11, 13,

15,22, & back cover by Francie Schroeder;

pp.7,9, & 14 courtesy of Smithsonian

Institution, National Zoological Park;

drawing on p. 3 by Matthew Kalmenoff from

Evolution Goes On Every Day courtesy of

Holiday House Publications; p. 6 by Ben

Butterfield.

Friends

of

the

National

is a non-profit organization of individuals and

families who are interested in supporting Zoo

education, research, and conservation.

As a FONZ, you and your family receive

FONZ Board of Directors 1977-78

Stephen T. Hosmer, President

John S. Brown, First Vice President

Nancy Porter, Second Vice President

M. Anthony Gould, Treasurer

Victor Delano, Secretary

Nella Manes

Cecil McLelland

Sheila D. Minor

Robert L. Nelson

Peter C. Andrews

Theodore Babbitt

Edward G. Boehm

Janice A. Booker

Montgomery S. Bradley —_ John B. Oliver

Timothy V.A. Dillon Whayne Quin

Ronald J. Field Ross Simons

Donna Grosvenor Julia V. Taft

Julie P. Hubbard Lee Talbot

Sally S. Tongren

FONZ Staff

Sabin Robbins, Executive Director

Dennis Baker, Associate Director

Donna Schlegel, Vo/unteer & Educational

Services

Monica Morgan, Membership & Publications

Michael Gill, Food Services

Lisa diGirolamo, Merchandising

Renee Caldwell, Trains, Parking, &

Maintenance

Norma Gay, Accountant

many benefits — publications, discount

privileges, and invitations to special pro-

grams and activities —to make your zoo-

going more enjoyable and educational.

THEZOOGOER is published bi-monthly and

copyrighted © by Friends of the National

Zoo, c/o National Zoological Park, Wash-

ington, DC 20008, third class mailing permit

44282. Subscription fee is $4 a year (of

annual dues).

Zoo Staff

Dr. Theodore H. Reed, Director

Mr. Edward Kohn, Deputy Director

Office Chiefs

Mr. Jaren Horsley, Animal Management

Dr. Christen Wemmer, Conservation &

Research Center

Dr. Mitchell Bush, Animal Health

Dr. Richard Montali, Pathology

Dr. John Eisenberg, Zoological Research

Mr. Emmanuel Petrella, Facilities Manage-

ment

Mr. Robert Engle, Construction Management

Mr. Joseph Reed, Management Services

Mr. Robert Mulcahy, Graphics & Exhibits

Ms. Judy White, Education & Information

Mr. Samuel Middleton, Police & Safety

O

Evolution

Evolution

by Sally Tongren

FONZ House Guide

ave you ever wondered how

H the elephant got his trunk or

how the rhinoceros got his skin?

Most of us have a hazy memory

of evolution from school days,

but often it isn’t much more ac-

curate than Kipling’s Just So

Stories and is far less colorful. But

evolution is a very dramatic tale.

The slow change of one species

into others in response to selec-

tive pressure from the environ-

ment has produced the wonder-

ful variety of animals in our

world.

The story starts with the genetic

makeup of the individual. We

know that no two individuals, ani-

mal or plant, are identical. Each

has a unique set of genes that

make it what it is. A gene is an

element of a chromosome that

governs the inheritance of certain

characteristics. The effect may be

visible, like hair color, or invisible,

like blood type. When two indi-

viduals mate, each provides half

the genes, which combine at ran-

dom to produce the characteris-

tics of the offspring. Occasional-

ly a gene itself alters or “mu-

Previous Page: Whether in plain dress

(wildebeest) or fancy (zebra), zoo animals

demonstrate the wonders of evolution by

their infinite variety.

4

A classic example of “instant” evolution, the peppered moth of England proved how rapidly

insects can react to environmental change.

tates.” Recombination and the

rare successful mutation produce

offspring that are different in

some way from the parents. It is

in these small variations that the

evolutionary process begins.

Those offspring that inherit the

traits which equip them to live in

their environment will mature and

reproduce. The others will not.

Environment is the sum of all the

factors that affect an animal’s

life. Climate, food, enemies, and

shelter are all part of it. Animals

are not free to live just anywhere.

Geese and ducks live near water

and black bears in forests. Even

species with a wide range will

occupy only parts of it and may

develop local populations.

A species is a group of similar

animals, all of which are poten-

tially able to breed with each

other, but not with other related

groups. Field sparrows and chip-

ping sparrows look alike, but do

not interbreed; they belong to

two different species. Most pair-

ing takes place within local popu-

lations of the species. However,

there is contact between popula-

tions through immigration and at

the borders of their areas, so there

is a continuous exchange of genes

between these groups, known as

gene flow. The whole species has

a common gene pool, but

because local populations differ

slightly, this pool contains many

possible variations.

Natural selection takes place be-

cause the environment acts like a

sieve, allowing only the best

adapted individuals to pass

through. This is selective pres-

sure, and since there is constant

competition between members of

a species for food and mates, the

result is individuals who fit a spe-

cific environment very closely.

Because no two environments are

exactly alike, local populations

often become different from one

another, enough so that they are

classed as races or sub-species.

There are some 12 sub-species of

Canada geese, for example, dis-

tinguished mostly by size. These

nest in different areas but inter-

breed readily if they come into

contact, because they are still

One species.

Evolution is not revolution. It

tends to conservatism. In a stable

environment, most changes will

be suppressed since they dis-

turb the balance. The horseshoe

crab has not changed in 200 mil-

lion years! But what if the envir-

onment changes? Fitness must

include a capacity for change if a

species will evolve and survive.

Consider the example of the pep-

pered moth. Less than 200 years

ago, in pre-industrial England,

there was a species of small grey

and white moths with a rare black

variety. The grey moths spent the

day resting on lichen-covered tree

trunks where they were almost in-

visible. As the industrial revolu-

tion got under way, smoke and

soot spread through the country-

side, killing the lichens and stain-

ing the tree trunks dark. The grey

moths were now very visible and

were picked off by hungry birds.

In contrast, the black moths were

now camouflaged. Within dec-

ades, the black moth had become

the common form, and the grey

ones survived only in corners

where industrial pollution did not

reach. This is not a case of form-

ing a new species, since the two

forms interbreed, but it does

show how a species can meet new

challenges. In this instance, a trait

which was a disadvantage and

would probably have disap-

peared eventually became an

advantage.

Insects like the peppered moth

adapt rapidly to selective pres-

sures because they produce many

large generations in a short time.

Any tiny advantage can spread

rapidly. Flies and mosquitos have

developed forms that resist DDT

and other insecticides. If only a

handful of individuals survive a

spraying, they quickly build up

their numbers with a new form.

5

Ss

parrot-billed or

large tree

tool-using or

woodpecker

mangrove

Darwin’s Finches

vegetarian or

vegetarian tree

Wines

A =

medium ground or

percolator

large cactus ground

So how do new species evolve?

There is a gene pool, which |

. stable but contains material for

variation; natural selection,

which sifts out poorly adapted

variations; and local populations,

which may change to become

sub-species. Still another factor is

needed — isolation. Usually this is

geographic isolation. Geologic or

climatic change may cut a popu-

lation off from the main body of

the species. Sometimes a wide

river or an ocean strait is enough.

Many modern species arose dur-

ing the ice age when glaciers cut

through their range. Sometimes a

small group may float or be

blown to a distant island. The

unique animals of the Galapagos

and other oceanic islands are the

result of such voyages. These is-

lands boast a number of species

that show distant relationships to

mainland species but developed

in isolation.

The Darwin’s finches of the

Galapagos are a classic success

story in the evolution of new

species. Long ago a flock of South

American birds were wind blown

to the Galapagos, where they

found a place with few animals

and very little competition. They

were free to live where they liked

Different beaks for different eats, 13 species

of Darwin’s finches have developed on the

Galapagos Islands to take full advantage of

their specialized diets.

Many duck species, like the female mallard (below) and common pintail (above), look alike

and share the same pond, but they breed only to males of their own species who court in the

“proper” manner.

and eat anything they could eat.

Gradually small differences in

beak type began to intensify. We

do not know what the ancestor

was like, but certainly some

beaks became heavier and more

suited to seed eating while others

evolved toward the sharp insect-

eating type. Specialization is gen-

erally an advantage, since a

specialist can efficiently use a

certain type of food, large seeds

for instance. Specialization re-

duces competition in a commu-

nity and actually allows more

animals to live in a given area.

Increasingly, more specialized

finches, equipped to eat seeds or

insects, had an advantage and

passed on their genes to a new

generation. Other structural and

behavioral differences appeared,

until today 13 species of finch

exist in the Galapagos, each with

distinctive beaks and plumage.

Some eat insects, some eat fruit

seeds or cactus. One probes for

insects like a woodpecker, but

lacking the woodpecker’s long

tongue, uses a Cactus spine as a

tool to probe for grubs. If any-

one doubts that potential genetic

variation exists in one species to

form many others, they need only

look at the many breeds of

domestic dog. True, these are the

result of highly unnatural selec-

tion, but that so many types have

come from one or two ancestors

shows what potential exists.

The test of species formation

comes when the old and new

forms meet again. If they inter-

breed, they are not two different

species. If enough structural and

behavioral differences have oc-

curred, they will not breed or will

not produce fertile young and are

clearly two species.

Much animal behavior is genetic-

ally determined and _ inherited,

too. Behavior is a powerful bar to

the formation of hybrids. Many

duck species have females that

look alike and may be courted by

males of other species, but these

ducks will respond only to drakes

who court in the “proper” manner

—males of their own species.

Occasionally hybrids occur, but

their behavior is so mixed, they

are not accepted by either par-

ent species.

It is a mistake to say that an ani-

mal has certain structures or

habits because it lives in a cer-

tain place. It lives there because

its ancestors had certain struc-

tures and abilities to start with,

and selection has honed these to

a fine point. The evolving hoof

and the ruminant stomach al-

lowed early horses and antelopes

to move into the grasslands.

Gradually teeth and other struc-

tures changed to meet new con-

ditions, but all these changes

were built on existing structures.

The Zoo’s antelopes furnish a fine

example of “adaptive radiation,”

the trend to develop forms from a

common ancestor that can use all

parts of a new environment. The

duiker is probably most like the

ancestral antelope and is a

browser of the deep rain forest.

Dik-diks browse on arid scrub

growth. The bongo, with its strik-

ing red and white striped coat, is

also a forest animal that can

browse on leaves and even the

pith of fallen trees. The wilde-

beest is a herd animal of open

plains. It prefers short grass and

needs a good deal of water, while

the oryx is the true desert liver

and can go without water almost

indefinitely, even in hot weather.

The Zoo’s scimitar-horned oryx with their distinctively long and backward curving horns demonstrate “adaptive radiation,” or the trend

to develop forms from a common ancestor that can use all parts of a new environment.

Another evolutionary phenome-

non is “convergence.” This is the

tendency of unrelated animals to

meet the same problem with the

same solution. A good example is

the profile of the frog, the croco-

dile, and the hippo. All three have

eyes and nostrils set high, allow-

ing them to see and breathe while

submerged. Convergence is very

apparent in Australian mar-

supials. Red and grey kangaroos

live in the grasslands. Like zebras

and antelopes, they run very fast,

live in herds, and have similar

grazing-type teeth. Wombats dig

burrows like prairie dogs, eat

grass, and have teeth that grow

continually, like those of a ro-

dent. Tree kangaroos have taken

to the trees, and while they are

less agile than monkeys, they can

leap long distances, helped by

pads to cling with and tails to pro-

vide balance.

Evolution is a tremendously com-

plex and fascinating story. It

molds all living creatures. Hope-

fully it will be a continuing story.

The next time you come to the

Zoo, notice what makes each ani-

mal unique. You may develop a

whole new outlook.

The Zoo’s family of rare bongos have strik-

ing red and white striped coats that blend

with their light-streaked African forest

home.

ZOO\N\S

Proboscis Monkey Is

Nosiest Primate

For the first time in its 88-year his-

tory, the National Zoo is exhibit-

ing the rare proboscis monkey

from Borneo.

Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larva-

tus) are spectacular in appear-

ance. The male has a large ““bana-

na-like” nose that grows to such a

size in some individuals that it

must be lifted out of the way

while the monkey eats.

The Zoo’s pair—a_ six-year-old,

30-pound male and a four-year-

old, 14-pound female—were a

gift from the Djakarta Zoo in In-

donesia. The National Zoo’s

Director, Dr. Theodore H. Reed,

personally escorted the rare pair

to Washington in an air cargo

plane. Only four other zoos in the

United States (Bronx, Dallas, Mil-

waukee, and San Diego) have

proboscis monkeys.

The nose of the National Zoo’s

male is already three inches long.

It is expected to continue to grow.

Zoologists believe that the gar-

gantuan nose is the result of

selective adaptation: females pre-

fer to mate with big-nosed males.

10

As a practical device, the male

uses his nose as a sound amplifier

when making territorial calls. The

sound has been described as a

“honk” or “kee-honk.” Others

compare it to a bass violin. The

softer calls of the female have

been likened to the call of a

goose. Female and young pro-

boscis have smaller, upturned

noses about the size of ahuman’s.

Male and female specimens are

similar in color: brick red faces

and backs, yellow shoulders and

thighs; grey arms and legs. The

tails are white. Males are usually

twice the size of females.

Bizarre in looks, the proboscis

monkey is nevertheless thorough-

ly adapted to the environmental

peculiarities of its island home in

southeast Asia. They belong to

the branch of Old World primates

(Cerocopithecidae) that live in

trees and eat leaves.

Proboscis monkeys have sack-

like, stretchable stomachs that

can store lots of leaves for diges-

tion later. The sack-like stomach

serves as a fermentation chamber

where the food content is broken

down by bacteria. This digestive

process is similar to that in cows

and camels.

In Borneo, these monkeys eat

palm fruits, mature leaves of

mangrove trees, vines, and flow-

ers. Here at the National Zoo,

their menu consists of willow

leaves, bananas, apples, oranges,

cabbage, beans, kale, potatoes,

monkey chow, and primate diet.

In the wild, proboscis monkeys

prefer swampy forest. They trav-

el in troops of 10 to 50 or more in-

dividuals. Each troop has a speci-

fic home range, but there does

not seem to be a rigid defense of

territories or conflict between

troops. A loose dominance hier-

archy exists with males dominant

over females and young, and cer-

tain males dominant over other

males at preferred feeding and

resting sites.

Like other leaf-eating monkeys in

southeast Asia, they are superb

climbers and fearless sky divers.

They unhesitatingly leap from

tree to tree with arms out-

stretched. When travelling they

have been known to cover 150

yards in 60 seconds.

To cross rivers in Borneo, an

entire troop may leap in the water

and swim across. Scientist-explor-

er William Beebe once saw a

swimming proboscis dive under-

water for half a minute when a

boat approached.

Proboscis are active during the

day and spend most waking hours

looking for food. At night troops

sleep in trees, usually near a river.

The highest trees may be used

night after night, since they pro-

vide the best view of the sur-

rounding area.

There appears to be no set breed-

ing season for proboscis mon-

keys. A single young is the rule,

after a gestation period of about

166 days.

Proboscis monkeys are found

only on Borneo, a large (290,000

square mile) tropical island off

the Malayasian coast in the Indo-

Australian archipelago. The ter-

rain combines lush jungles and

mountains. Proboscis share their

island home with other interest-

ing primates such as the pig-tailed

and crab-eating macaques, sil-

vered, maroon, and grey leaf

monkeys, and orangutans.

Man also lives on Borneo, but the

study of the unusual proboscis

has been limited. Fortunately, the

proboscis is protected, but there

is always the danger that _ its

swampy forest home could be

drained or cut for timber in the

name of progress or profit. Such

actions could threaten not only

this distinctive species but the

entire supporting ecosystem

as well.

The female half of the proboscis pair has an

upturned nose about the size of ahuman’s .

FONZ\EV\S

President’s Report

by Dr. Stephen T. Hosmer

FONZ President

Members of FONZ and guests.

Tonight’s annual meeting cele-

brates two events of particular

note in FONZ history: It is the

first time we have been able to

gather in this splendid new Edu-

cation-Administration Building,

which now also houses our FONZ

offices, and it also occurs on the

eve of our 20th anniversary as an

organization.

Ever since FONZ was founded in

1958, we have worked hard to

live up to our name and serve the

National Zoo as a special friend.

| am pleased to report that over

the past year we have been able

to fulfill this role more extensive-

ly than ever before thanks to the

growing support of you, our

members, and the increasing suc-

cess of FONZ-operated conces-

sions. Because of these efforts,

FONZ was able over the past

twelve months to provide nearly

$250,000 to fund a wide variety

of educational, research, and

conservation activities of direct

benefit to the Zoo.

As you may recall, in 1976 FONZ

began to support a new series of

research and conservation

12

projects being conducted by the

National Zoo. We provided

monies for six summer interns and

research fellows to assist Zoo

professionals in studies aimed at

preventing extinction of animal

species and assisting in breeding

programs for endangered species.

The Zoo considered this first in-

tern and fellowship program to be

so successful that this year we

were requested to double our

support. As a result, 15 interns

from 15 different colleges in 11

states worked here this past sum-

mer. Some of the undergraduates

assisted our veterinarians in diag-

nosing health problems in Zoo

animals. Others did basic research

in animal anatomy. One student

specialized in the behavior and

breeding patterns of the Zoo’s

rare Atlas lions. At the Zoo’s Con-

servation and Research Center in

Front Royal, Virginia, interns par-

ticipated in field studies of the

Pére David’s deer herd. The value

of these research programs is

perhaps best summed up in the

words of one of the students, who

wrote: “I was prodded, coaxed,

and inspired into a frenzy of

learning unlike anything I’ve ever

known. | consider myself incredi-

bly fortunate to have been able to

experience the workings of one of

the top research institutions in

the country. The FONZ intern

program is an invaluable tool in

the education of future zoo pro-

fessionals.”

In 1976 FONZ was also asked to

underwrite the costs of publish-

ing the proceedings of two

important National Zoo sym-

posia, one on golden marmosets

and the other on tree-dwelling

leaf eaters.

This year we have continued to

support research by funding the

publication of the Zoo’s 1976

conference on tuberculosis in

ZOO animals. This conference,

which was also financed by

FONZ, produced new and, for the

first time, consistent diagnostic

techniques to cope with this criti-

cal infection. We are now finan-

cing the program expenses for a

fourth symposium, “Migrant

Birds in the American Tropics,”

which is taking place this month

and which is attempting to define

the habitat requirements and

measure the effects of forest cut-

ting on these species —a matter

of growing concern to zoologists.

Equally important have been our

on-going educational efforts to

explain zoology to thousands of

touring school children. This year

the location of FONZ and

National Zoo education staffs in

the same building made possible

increasingly shared and creative

efforts to bring the best of educa-

tional programs to students of

4

all ages.

Some of you, | hope, saw as you

FONZ ’78 Safaris

Planned exclusively for members, led by a professional zoologist or FONZ

executive, and limited to 20 or less, a FONZ safari offers sights and

Privileges rarely available to others. Call 232-7700 for details.

JUNIOR SAFARI TO EAST AFRICA (July-August 1978)

FONZ's African study safari for young members (ages 13-20) is the most

exciting ever. The month-long adventure includes a three-day camel trek, a

hike up snow-capped Mt. Kenya, a visit to a Masai manyatta to meet the six-

foot warriors and watch their war dances, and a sailing exploration by an-

cient Arab dhow up the Indian Ocean coast. Emphasis will be on African

wildlife and conservation. Participants will stay in private tents in game

parks and meet with experts such as Joy Adamson and chief game wardens.

After stopovers and tours of London and Nairobi, three weeks will be spent

"in the bush" on daily game runs through famed Serengeti, Amboseli, Tsavo,

and Masai-Mara. Other highlights: night safaris, a visit to the ancient

Mfro-Arab island of Lamu, and all-night game watch at The Ark. The $2,650

cost includes all expenses except a few optional meals in London and Nairobi.

Two adult chaperones will accompany the group.

INDIA-NEPAL-SRI LANKA (March 1978)

The greatest wildlife sights in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka (formerly

Mm-vion) are part of this 28-day "Shikar” (Hindu for safari). Some game

Viewing will be done by elephant back! Special visits are planned to Corbett

National Park, Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Assam, Delhi, and Jaipur to see rhinos,

Gir lions, and white tigers. After viewing the Taj Mahal by moonlight, the

moup flies to the "top of the world” -- Nepal -+ for a visit to colorful

Katmandu and a night at famed Tigertops Jungle Lodge. Final days will be

in beautiful Sri Lanka for tours of their game-rich preserves as well as

the ancient cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura. The $2,676 cost includes a

$100 tax-deductible contribution to FONZ.

RUSSIA-EASTERN EUROPE (June 1978)

A 22-day "“behind-the-Iron Curtain" adventure offers an insider's look at

the great zoos and wildlife parks of West and East Germany, Poland, Russia,

Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Austria. VIP tours and receptions have been

planned in Berlin, Warsaw, Leningrad, Moscow, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna

plus comprehensive city tours. The group will attend the renowned Moscow

Circus, a Leningrad Folklore performance, and a Laterna Magica show in

Prague. Travel from Leningrad to Moscow is on the famed "Red Arrow Ex-

press" train in "soft class" sleeper. A hydrofoil boat will be used to

cruise up the "blue" Danube from Budapest to Vienna for a farewell ban-

gquet in picturesque Grinzing. The $2,282 cost includes a $100 tax-

deductible contribution to FONZ.

AFRICA (September 1978)

This 26-day adventure is so unusual that it has been called the "Ultimate

Safari" by several African wildlife experts. The itinerary is planned for

those seeking only the most special and exciting of safari experiences.

There are walking and canoe excursions, night game-watches, a special

flight to remote Lake Rudolph where Richard Leakey has uncovered remains

of earliest man, and a gorilla stalk with pygmy guides through the jungles

of Zaire (formerly the Belgian Congo). Private tent camps will be used

on the game-rich Serengeti Plains and at the foot of snow-capped Kiliman-

jaro. Special briefing sessions will be conducted by local wildlife ex-

perts throughout the trip. Most flights in Africa will be on private,

chartered planes. Stopovers in London and/or Paris are planned on the

way out and back. The all-inclusive cost of $4,448 includes a $100 tax-

deductible contribution to FONZ.

came in tonight our Zoo Express

parked just outside the entrance.

In away, this distinctively decor-

ated bus symbolizes our determi-

nation to make it possible for

schools that cannot afford bus

transportation to visit the Zoo.

It also typifies the shared funding

efforts between FONZ and the

National Zoo. The bus itself was

obtained free by the Zoo as gov-

ernment surplus; the Zoo’s

graphics department designed

the decor; and FONZ funds paid

for painting, insurance, and the

salary of the bus driver. So far the

Zoo Express is a pilot project, but

if all goes well, we hope to ex-

pand this effort.

Along with the new Zoo Express

have come other innovative edu-

cational programs. FONZ and the

NZP staffs have worked out a

series of multiple-visit Zoo tours

and teacher workshops for nine

D.C. public schools in Region II,

another pilot project we hope to

later expand. They have also de-

veloped a primate course to be

part of the curriculum in certain

high schools and are now working

on anew audio-visual program

for three- and four-year olds that

can be used by either schools or

community organizations.

Later this evening, | hope you will

visit the new ZooLab located just

behind this auditorium. Here you

can discover—as we hope

teachers and families soon will —

a variety of fascinating touch-

and-try materials such as animal

bones, horns, and skins, along

with a collection of learning and

reference materials. There isn’t

anything quite like this in any

other zoo, so FONZ is proud that

some of its funds and volunteers

are playing an important role in

its development and operation.

This summer more than 60 junior

FONZ members put on, for the

second year in a row, an animal-

themed puppet show that on

occasion attracted standing-

The colorful Zoo Express, which provides free transportation to school groups, is one of several innovative, educational programs now sup-

ported by FONZ.

room-only crowds. The profes-

sional staff of the Bob Brown

Puppeteers created the puppets

and supervised the training of

our junior members.

As exciting and successful as this

year’s educational programs have

been, none of this would have

been possible without FONZ’s

most important creative resource

—our volunteer guides and aides.

This past year we estimate that

FONZ volunteers contributed no

fewer than 10,000 hours of their

time to conducting school tours

for over 9,000 children, answer-

ing questions from the public,

assisting our full-time staff, and

aiding Zoo scientists in carrying

out animal behavior studies. It is

impossible to thank our volun-

teers enough for their dedication

and contributions.

Educational programs and

special events organized just for

you — the FONZ member— have

also been expanded during the

year. A wildlife adventure book-

let sent to you several months ago

announced more than 30 differ-

ent member programs that

ranged from classes, lectures, and

trips to free treasure hunts and

guided Zoo tours. Soon you will

receive a similar booklet inviting

you to a winter-long series of

At the new ZooLab in the Education-

Administration Building, visitors learn

about zoo animals by handling actual bones,

skins, feathers, and eggs.

|

what we hope will prove to be

equally interesting and di-

verse events.

Already, FONZ members have

safaried across Africa, explored

the South Pacific, and followed

Darwin’s footsteps through the

Galapagos Islands. This spring 21

FONZ members will, hopefully,

depart on the first ever FONZ-

sponsored trip to the People’s

Republic of China for a first-

hand look at their pandas.

The growth in special activities

for you has come about because

Supplied with paper and pencil, many youngsters ‘draw an animal for the wall’ at the FON Z-supported ZooLab.

of the interest and participation

of our dues-paying membership

that now stands at over 11,000.

That makes FONZ one of the

three largest zoological societies

in America.

The bulk of revenues generated

by FONZ continues to come from

our concession operations — food,

souvenirs, trackless train tours,

and public parking services. Net

revenues have never been better,

as your Treasurer will soon report.

And we have concerted every

effort to keep our commitment to

assuring a continual upgrading of

quality and service at reasonable

prices. For hungry zoogoers who

may want an alternative to the

more conventional fare, we

opened this summer a wine and

cheese kiosk atop Bird House

Hill. It’s the only place | know

where you can sit on an umbrella-

shaded deck, sip wine, and watch

elephants, pandas, and birds.

Also for the first time this

summer, we served scooped ice

cream, frozen yogurt, and

sundaes at the Mane Restaurant.

We have also sought to upgrade

the inventory of our gift shops by

15

adding new items made especial-

ly for FONZ and to improve shop

display and service window areas.

To add another dimension to our

shop facilities, we will soon open

a Bookstore and Gallery just off

the main lobby of the Education-

Administration Building. Al-

though we are a few weeks away

from stocking the shelves with

one-of-a-kind items, | hope you

will note the location of this shop

on your tour of the building and

plan to return when it opens in

late November.

Finally, we must acknowledge the

vital contributions of our FONZ

staff. From our Executive Direc-

tor, Sabin Robbins, and his Assoc-

iate Director, Dennis Baker, on

down, this organization continues

to be served by an extraordinary

corps of dedicated and talented

people. They, along with our vol-

unteers and the support we have

received from Ted Reed and the

Zoo staff, have made it possible

for FONZ to look back on the

past year with pride. And, given

the sturdy foundations already

_laid in our education, member-

ship, and visitor service programs,

there is every promise that in our

20th year FONZ will prove an

even stronger and more effective

friend of the National Zoo. To

all of you, our thanks for making

it possible.

16

Treasurer’s Report

by M. Anthony Gould

FONZ Treasurer

| am pleased to report that FONZ

is experiencing its best year ever

financially. Through September

30, after nine months of our fiscal

year, we were 35% ahead of last

year in total net income, $236,666

compared to $175,004. We are

predicting a net of $164,000 at

year-end vs. approximately

$120,000 in 1976.

Food Services continue to lead

the way with a 66% increase in

net income over last year. Sales

were much better than expected

through the first nine months,

totalling nearly $800,000. We owe

a debt of gratitude to Food Man-

ager, Mike Gill, and his staff for

doing such an excellent job of

serving the public and of being

FONZ’s major income producer.

No doubt the 1977 figure will

serve as a benchmark for

the future.

Membership and Publications in-

come was more in 1977 than in

1976, while the Gift Shop and

Trains held their own. Only Park-

ing proved to be a loser, and this

was expected. Continued Zoo

construction has greatly reduced

the number of spaces available to

the public. It is hoped that the

parking facility being built on the

roof of the Zoo’s new service

building will partially alleviate :

this problem.

Of course, there is one depart-

ment that always loses money in

a Strictly financial sense, but it is

a loss we always look forward to

since it benefits everyone who

visits the National Zoo. | am

speaking of Education, as you

can probably guess, and would

like you to know that Dr. Hos-

mer’s comments on FONZ spend-

ing on educational and research

projects represents a 40% in-

crease over last year. We look

forward to continuing to assist

Dr. Reed in this regard and al-

ready have a long list of requests

for next year.

Associate Director, Dennis Baker

and all of the department heads

are to be particularly compili-

mented for the skillful way they

have prepared and met their

budgetary requirements. For

example, in the month of July,

Shop income was projected at

$88 400 and actually came in at

$88 370, a difference of only $30!

Train income was figured at

$16,000; the actual figure was

$15,814. Parking was projected

at $23,500, while actual income

was $24,902. Food Services in-

come was projected at $140,000

and came in at $142,101. We ob-

viously do a better job of prog-

t

_ FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL ZOO

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

_ Accounts Payable $ 57,455

_ Accrued Salaries | 417111

Taxes Payable — 25,618

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES: _

NOTES PAYABLE:

Smithsonian institution: $ 121,305

TOTAL NOTES PAYABLE:

UNEXPENDED FUND BALANCE: |

Balance January 1 $ 549,800

Net Profit 236,860

$ 8,647 -

BALANCE SHEET

As of et 30, 1977—

‘Assets © _

CURRENT ASSETS:

- Cashon Hand | , _

_ Cashin Bank 76,280

- Cashin Savings” 264,923

_ Investments _ _ 166,216

_ Accounts Receivable _ | 1,029

Inventory sy _ 98,061 —

Bags & Supplies | | / 6,536

: Eevee & Deferred Expenses: _@i 266

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS: __

FIXED ASSETS: |

— Shop Building © §$ 110,251

- Bookstore 10,504

Furniture & Equipment — 65,695

_ Library” | 2,232

~ Train Equipment 116,190

_ Restaurant Equipment — 90,813

_ Restaurant Building — 91,567

- Restaurant Improvements 87,439

Parking Equipment 22,362

Accumulated Depreciation (231,862)

_ TOTAL FIXED ASSETS: |

TOTAL ASSETS:

TOTAL UNEXPENDED FUND BALANCE:

TOTAL LIABILITY & UNEXPENDED FUND BALANCE:

-$ 642,958

_ 209,19)

$ 100,184

121,305

nosticating than the local

weathermen! On the expense

side, there were no real surprises.

Suffice it to say that our conces-

sions have done well. The bitter-

ly cold winter hurt us, of course,

but the summer was another

good one for FONZ.

Briefly, let me review some of

the “happenings” in 1977 and give

you an idea of what’s ahead

financially.

For the first time, the Smith-

sonian Institution’s auditors

visited FONZ. In fact, they spent

eight weeks with our staff. Their

findings resulted in a few small

bookkeeping and cash control

recommendations. A new pur-

chase order system was also

started, even though it had been

in process before the auditors

arrived. The Smithsonian is also

developing a format for reporting

FONZ’s financial position to the

Institution on a quarterly basis. In

general, the auditors were

pleased with what they found

at FONZ.

We have changed certified public

accountants and hired the firm of

Matthews, Carter and Boyce. This

had nothing to do with the Smith-

sonian audit. Matthews, Carter

and Boyce handles a number of

non-profit organizations in the

area, and we feel that FONZ has

17

grown to such a degree that it

merits the attention and exper-

tise this firm can give us.

And the staff now has a pension

plan. This was approved recently

by the Board of Directors and re-

quired a $7,000 initial contribu-

tion by FONZ. It was long

overdue and has been well re-

ceived by FONZ employees.

With the help of our oft-used

consultant, Gerry Ward, the Gift

Shops have been reorganized.

This involved a new commissary

inventory system and getting

competitive bidding on FONZ

merchandise. As a result, we have

experienced a 4% reduction in

cost of goods sold and feel the

merchandise quality is still excel-

lent. Sales could have been better

this summer; in fact they declined

somewhat compared with last

year, but we attribute part of this

to the heat in July and August

when people visiting the Zoo

seemed to prefer buying soft

drinks or ice cream to purchasing

such souvenirs as stuffed pandas.

One can hardly blame them!

In terms of capital improvements,

FONZ has constructed a hand-

some Book-Gift Store in the lobby

of the new Education-Adminis-

tration Building. Food Services

investments included converting

the snack line in the Mane Res-

taurant to the “Ice Cream Scoop,”

and constructing the Wine and

Cheese Kiosk near the Bird

House. This latter FONZ food

facility, together with the Panda

Roof Garden, was favorably re-

viewed in the Washington Post.

Other than current bills, our only

outstanding obligation is approxi-

mately $120,000 which we owe

the Smithsonian Institution. As

you may recall, this loan was

made to FONZ to enable us to

renovate and upgrade the Zoo’s

food facilities.

We have accumulated a cash

surplus this year, and believe that

it will be considerably more than

last year’s figure of $33,000.

However, we are heading into the

cold weather months when busi-

ness is incredibly slow —in fact,

when we operate at a loss. To

date we have followed a con-

servative policy of investing

excess funds in savings accounts,

Treasury Bills, and bank certifi-

cates of deposit. We are also

engaged in short- and long-range

planning. Short-range plans in-

clude additional concession

stands which might open in the

new Beaver Valley or bear exhibit

area; finding an alternative to

the trackless trains or purchasing

new engines and cars if the pres-

ent system is kept; investing in

tools and equipment for heavy

duty, in-house maintenance of

FONZ equipment, all of which

will take place in the Zoo’s serv-

ice building when it is completed;

painting and sprucing up existing

FONZ facilities. A long-range

project is to put FONZ on such

sound financial footing that we

can always meet the needs of the

National Zoo as well as our own

goals and obligations. With much

of our accelerated growth and

heavy capital investment behind

us, | think that every member of

FONZ can look to a future that

is stable financially and will

allow us to turn more and more

of our energies to our real

goal— education.

January-September 1977

Income

| Membership $ 92,839

Il Publications 35,920

Ill Gift Shops 542,977

IV Trains 67,030

V Education 12,142

VI Parking 143,274

VII Food Services 796,402

TOTAL $1,690,584

Expenses

| Membership $ 78,715

Il Publications 35,198

Ill Gift Shops 377,418

IV Trains 73,171

V Education 97 ,372

VI Parking 120,930

VII Food Services 644,234

VII} Zoo Support 26,880

TOTAL $1,453,918

19

FONZ Doubles

Research Support

by Dr. Dale Marcellini

Research Curator

A young woman unobtrusively

follows a group of visitors

through the bird house; a student

carefully takes notes in front of a

small cage in the Research Build-

ing; a young man watches lizards

under a Florida night sky. All are

recipients of FONZ traineeship

grants.

In 1977 the Friends doubled its

student aid program because of

the initial successes in 1976. The

enlarged 1977 program involved

15 students from 15 different col-

leges in 11 states. These young

people worked under profes-

sionals in seven Zoo offices.

Randy Jacobson, from Purdue

University, worked in all areas of

the Office of Pathology. He

assisted in autopsies, kept rec-

ords, and helped prepare tissue

slides for diagnosing health prob-

lems.

Ronald W. Leiniger, a pre-

veterinary student from the Uni-

versity of California, worked on

necropsy procedures in the Office

of Animal Health. He carried out

dissections, collected tissue, and

prepared slides for histo-

pathology. In spite of this nearly

20

full-time job, Ron completed a

successful project to determine

the type and extent of tissue reac-

tion in birds given intramuscular

drug injections.

A Scripts College student, Diana

Kwong, worked in the Office of

Education and Information. The

Zoo wanted to know how visitors

used the new trails and how self-

guides might work along the

trails. Concentrating on the

Crowned Crane Trail, Diana ob-

served and reported that zoo-

goers enjoy the new trail system,

but she also pinpointed problems

that are now being corrected.

Two trainees, Catherine Laughlin,

from the State University of Buf-

falo, and Sister Laurus Slee, of

Illinois Institute of Technology,

worked in the Office of Graphics

and Exhibits developing labels for

animal identification and assist-

ing in silk screen work for outdoor

maps and special signs.

Thomas Keefer, a University of

Texas student, studied the behav-

ior and ecology of two species of

lizards in the Florida Keys. He

found that when the two species

lived in different geographical

areas, they had similar 24-hour-

activity patterns, but when they

shared the same territory, their

behavior patterns were not alike.

His observations provide one of

the best examples ever docu-

mented of competition among

animals that results in behavioral

changes.

William B. Karesh, from Clemson

University, divided his time be-

tween the Office of Animal Man-

agement (OAM) and the Office of

Zoological Research (OZR).

At OZR he transcribed video

tapes of the giant panda mating

sessions of 1976 and 1977. Bill

also studied changes in inter-

sexual activity during estrus in the

giant panda. At OAM he devel-

oped a behavioral check sheet for

the rare Atlas lion cubs.

The Conservation and Research

Center at Front Royal benefited

from the efforts of four trainees:

Barbara Doran, Wheaton Col-

lege; Ann Hedrick, University of

Virginia; Dale Lytle, William Pat-

terson College; and Emily Meri-

wether, University of Georgia.

All worked on a study of the

sociobiology of the Pére David’s

deer. They took extensive field

notes, recorded vocalization, and

photographed behavior displays.

These students provided a nearly

continuous watch on the herd to

document the behavior of each

individual.

Four student interns assisted the

Office of Zoological Research.

Michele Moore, from the Uni-

versity of Illinois, studied mother-

young interactions in hoofed

stock. Steve Paulson, of Earlhem

College, studied the golden lion

marmoset, even serving as a

foster father in the hand-rearing

of an infant marmoset.

Kent Redford, of Harvard Univer-

sity, worked on mother-young

relations in hoofed stock,

especially the secretive dik-diks,

and on social behavior of rare

elephant shrews.

Susan McGrath (Bennington Col-

lege) helped in a continuing study

of eastern blue birds at the Con-

servation and Research Center.

She found that young born early

in the year help parents raise

later broods. Susan also dis-

covered that female as well as

male blue birds will attack a male

model. These findings will rein-

force the Zoo’s commitment to

improve blue bird breeding,

which has dwindled as houses

and farms replace forests and

fields.

The summer 1977 trainee pro-

gram benefited the Zoo, the sci-

entific community, animal con-

servation efforts, and equally

important, the students.

‘Iwas prodded, coaxed, and in-

spired into a frenzy of learning

that is unlike anything | have ex-

perienced,” said one student.

Another wrote, ‘I consider myself

incredibly fortunate to have been

able to experience the workings

of one of the top research insti-

tutions in the country and the

processes of an animal manage-

ment complex of equal par. The

FONZ traineeship program is a

valuable tool in the education of

future zoological workers.”

On behalf of the staff of the

National Zoo, | would like to

thank the FONZ for their support

and encourage you to continue

this program, which is so bene-

ficial to so many people.

FONZ Opens

Bookstore & Gallery

A large menagerie of new animals

has arrived at the Zoo for all to

enjoy —and buy!

The wildlife collection fills

FONZ’s newest facility, the Book-

store and Gallery, just inside the

Education/Administration Build-

ing. There are jeweled gold owls

from Nepal, lacquered tiger boxes

from Kashmir, ceramic birds from

Mexico, and hand-carved wooden

animals from Africa.

The new book, print, and gift

store is open weekdays from 11

a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. FONZ members

are entitled to a 10% discount

on all purchases.

Unlike the souvenir-themed Mane

and Panda Shops, the Bookstore

and Gallery will carry a compre-

hensive collection of outstanding

animal books for adults and

children, wildlife prints by noted

artists, and unusual animal-

themed gifts found in few

other places.

Special efforts have been made to

obtain original animal paintings,

drawings, and sculptures from tal-

ented artists around the world.

At the moment, the store features

21

never-before-shown drawings by

Kamante, hero of Isak Dinesen’s

classic book, Out of Africa; bright

applique cloth animals from

Kenya; and dramatically lifelike

bronze and ceramic sculptures of

popular zoo animals. Of particu-

lar interest are the limited edition

color prints of the Zoo’s white

tigers, “Mohini and Cub,” by the

renowned wildlife artist, Edward

Bierly. Most of the proceeds from

the sale of this print go to the

“Save the Tiger Fund.”

Many of the modestly-priced gifts

are substantially below normal

market prices. For instance, the

$2 carved animal napkin rings

usually cost around $4.

Other attractive items include

animal-themed napkins, glasses,

coasters, desk items, plates, cups,

trays, jewelry, and stationery.

So if you’re looking for that

special gift sure to delight any

animal lover—or yourself — head

for FONZ’s new Bookstore

and Gallery.

Great books, fine prints, and unusual handmade gifts from around the world fill the new FONZ Bookstore & Gallery located in the lobby of

the Education-Administration Building. Open daily, the shop offers 10% discounts to FONZ members.

es

22

_ FEBRUARY

' 2 Thursday

| FONZ Film—Arctic Animals

Follow the fascinating life cycle of the tundra

wolf from the birth and raising of cubs to the

hunting packs that prey on caribou to survive.

Sunday

FONZ Film— Arctic Animals

3 Monday

Audubon Lecture — Papua New Guinea: Twilight

of Eden

Wed nesday

_ Photo Contest ends.

5 Sunday

| FONZ Lecture— Animal Mime

The fascinating art forms of mime and impro-

visation will be presented by Archaesus with

- audience participation encouraged.

8 | Wednesday

| Opening of Photo Exhibit— Lobby of Education/

Administration Building

1 Saturday

Family Day with the Wings of the Zoo

12 Sunday

Free tours for members ONLY

FONZ Winter Calendar of Events «

18 Saturday

-Family Day with the Wings of the Zoo

20 Monday

Audubon Lecture— The Return of the Peregrine

Falcon to the Eastern United States

SPRING SNEAK PREVIEW

Among the many popular events this spring will

be day trips to the Bronx Zoo and the Conser-

vation and Research Center at Front Royal,

more exciting and educational classes, a treas-

ure hunt, and a lecture program by Dr. Theo-

dore Reed, Director of the National Zoological

Park.

Ultimate Safari

There are still openings for a remarkable East

African safari for 26 days in September. Less thana

dozen people will be taken. In addition to canoe

excursions and private, deluxe tenting at the foot of

snow-capped Kilimanjaro and on the game-rich

Serengeti Plains, there will be an exciting gorilla

stalk using pygmy guides and a charter flight to

Kenya’s remote Lake Rudolph where remains of

earliest man have been found by Richard Leakey.

Special receptions with noted wildlife experts have

been planned throughout. Cost for the Ultimate

Safari is about $4,448, which includes a $100 tax-

deductible donation to FONZ. For details contact

the Office of the Executive Director at 232-7700.

*For more details please call the membership

office at 232-7700.

23