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Come to the Abilene Zoo for a howlin’ good time
More Your Life Many people may not realize that Texas and South America share something in common, but they soon will. South America is home to a wild dog unlike any other on earth, the Maned wolf. This unique animal that resembles a “fox on stilts” is colored a bright rust-red with a long pointed muzzle and dark shoulder hairs, and travels through the native grasses of its grassland habitat on tall, thin, black legs. The Maned wolves are known and named for their “wolf” size and black shoulder mane that bristles when they are alarmed. These spectacular animals are not only found in South America but will soon be found at the Abilene Zoo as well.
Even though they stand three feet tall and weigh around 50 pounds, making them South America’s largest wild dog, they are rarely seen in the wild. The Maned wolf has been shaped by two million years of life on the Brazilian plains and is perfectly adapted to their life in a tropical, tall grass environment. Maned wolves may travel up to 20 miles a day in search of food in a territory that may encompass up to 10 square miles.
A monogamous pair will share their territory, but the male and female travel and hunt alone. They usually join each other only for breeding and raising their young. As they patrol their territory, which includes open forest, savannahs and marshlands, they will periodically scent mark hillocks and termite mounds as a form of “no trespassing” to other wolves that this space is taken. But the resident pair can always stay in touch by emitting loud barks or “roar-barks” to let their mate know where they are and to warn other wolves to stay out of their hunting and living space.
Maned wolves typically forage for food from dusk to dawn, feeding primarily on small mammals, fruits and vegetation. They are much more omnivorous than their northern wolf cousins and do not hunt large game. Interestingly, this species is far more omnivorous than even human caretakers knew until recently. When stalking live prey, the Maned wolf sniffs the air for telltale scents, and it rotates its 7-inch long ears to pinpoint rodents squeaking and rustling in the tall grass. It flushes its prey by tapping the ground with one foot and catches the fleeing animal by using a stiff-legged pounce, arching through the air and landing on its prey.
The Abilene Zoo actively supports conservation efforts through the production of the Maned Wolf Educational Bulletin that is distributed to school children throughout Central and South America in Spanish and Portuguese. These bulletins discuss the problems of habitat loss, human encroachment, and changes in the environment of Maned wolves. We support the production of conservation posters that are posted throughout South America that educate people about the problems associated with loss of habitat, the trade in bush meat and why folklore medicine is a myth.
In addition, we also support field studies being conducted in the Serra da Canastra National Park in Brazil. This type of research is invaluable in developing management strategies in captivity and in the wild regarding behavior, nutrition and habitat needs for this threatened species. Here at home in Abilene, I am pleased to announce that we are completing the final design work on this new exhibit and starting construction. The wolves will soon be here once the West Texas heat cools off enough for us to ship them here to Abilene!
Bill Baker is the Abilene Zoo director.
Posted by JenzGripe2 on July 25, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since we gave the zoo over a million dollars, I expect to see a heck of a wolf exhibit! Please tell me that it’s not going to be yet another chain link box like some of the old outdated exhibits that already exist?
I still wonder where all of our money is going for this stuff. From the Amazon Walk to two animals? Someone is doing very well, and it’s not the animals or the taxpayers.
Posted by phrog2112 on July 25, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jenz...
I know your post name says it all, but sheesh...give it a rest.
Posted by CottonheadRattleback on July 26, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(excerpt from another post)
Jen et al;
In the way of construction, please understand that in order to bring you the finest exhibits they can, the staff at the zoo is building many of these exhibits “in house” to save money and bring more animals and exhibits for your money. Did you realize that the Creepy Crawler Center was built totally in house by zoo staff? For the budget allocated, to have farmed this project out would have meant that the zoo would have gotten about half the exhibits, and potentially the multiple problems associated with the contractors building something that they didn’t quite understand. The Boardwalk/Wetlands project, Giraffe enhancements, and South American project are no different. By constructing these through zoo staff you will in fact get a better exhibit and a better all around experience for your dollars. This may not always happen as fast as we would like, but trust in the fact that you will be pleased in the long run. Some zoo exhibits take years of preparation and construction only to fail for reasons of poor planning and construction. The Abilene Zoo is avoiding this potential blundering by having a team of insightful professionals take the wheel. Of course, there is still work to be done in the interim. The show must go on so to speak. Please be patient, you will be more than satisfied.
Inasmuch as the South American Trails exhibit undergoing some changes, this is nothing new in any construction project. Needs change and plans morph as these projects move closer to reality. This area was best suited for the Maned Wolves and the Ocelots because of the real estate that was available and the future expansions of your Abilene Zoo. The original trail design was flawed and both of these animals are in dire need of our help to keep them from vanishing forever. That is in fact “our” help, all of us. The exhibit and holding area requirements dictated the overall design for this area. Please be patient, you will be getting new and exciting animal species throughout your zoo as these, other new exhibits and exhibit enhancements unfold. In reality, your Bond Election money is being very well spent; targeted well for your zoo experience as well as a sound investment for the future of our natural world.
Supporting the zoo, the fine employees there and the community itself is all a part of doing our part in making this not only a better community, but a better planet. Everybody should be zoo-ing it.
Posted by JenzGripe2 on July 26, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for the info-mmercial. Why don't you work on fixing YOUR zoo instead of wasting time finding excuses?
Posted by passage on July 26, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jen,
What would it take to convince you the money is being used wisely? You may be speaking for a lot of Abilenians. Human Nature dictates, “seeing is believing”.
I am interested how people would respond to this:
If you and your children had the opportunity to take an up-close and personal tour the zoo, with someone who could take you on a journey from the zoo’s beginning to present with an insight into the future, would you take it?
If you could have all your questions answered, and your children learn first-hand why we have zoos, how to identify plants and animals, and learn all the neat ways that nature works to keep balance, would you be interested? (At no cost to the zoo or taxpayers.)
Posted by JenzGripe2 on July 26, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have had our chain jerked enough. No, I don't want to go for a walk.
Anyone can yammer on about what they "are going to do". It would be nice to just see them "do it" for a change.
And yes you are right, I do speak for a lot of Abilinians!!!
Posted by passage on July 26, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." – Will Rogers
I was not optimistic, but unlike you, I did some walking, and took the opportunity to see for myself what is really going on at the zoo. I was amazed and pleased by what I saw. There is a great deal happening at the zoo – now – and even more starting – not stalling. I saw big improvements for the animals and the visitors; and big exhibits within months of completion. Did you know otters are coming back? I met with the Zoo Director, and several members of the staff, from the Education Coordinator to the Zookeepers. They were all friendly and very hard at work.
Will Rogers also said, “An ignorant person is one who doesn’t know what you have just found out.”
So, just find out for yourself. You’ll discover you’ve been pulling your own chain.
Posted by Proudpoppa on July 27, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Look here, this is your tax money at work. If it's City-run and you really feel it is being mismanaged then stop wasting your time in here. If you want to be heard, then write it to the Mayor or the City Manager. Elections are coming soon.
Posted by BillsRanchiz on July 27, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Elections? I think you are a bit late.
Going to the source is never a bad idea. I just don't get the election comment. The City Manager is appointed- not elected and I don't see the presidential election having much sway towards Mayor Archibald's management decisions.
Posted by Proudpoppa on July 27, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was referring to making your voice heard in general. I guess that I was not too clear. So many Americans complain about our government in the shadows but never stand up for what they believe in the light. If you want to change something, or have a beef with it then you need to be complaining to the right people. Be it the country overall or something amiss on a local level.
Posted by rgd874 on July 27, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I take my nieces and nephew to the zoo several times a year because they love to see the animals. When the plans for the new exhibits were announced we were so excited. Now it seems that all construction has stopped on the boardwalk, while construction for the Elm Creek backyard and the South American exhibits haven’t even started. I agree with a comment that was made a while back and that is that you need to finish the projects that you started before you start another project. The boardwalk is now some rusting piece of unfinished metal. After seeing how great the Creepy Crawler Center was after it was finished I had high hopes for the boardwalk and other exhibits. Now there is talk about building an exhibit for some Maned Wolves???? Maned wolves are nocturnal and therefore would not make good animals to be on display. The reason for going to the zoo is to see the animals. The Maned wolves will be sleeping during the hours the zoo is open. Then we have heard all about the zoo directors cougar. A nice pin has build for this animal and no one can see it. Sorry Bill Baker but I don’t want to hear about your cougar if he isn’t going to be on display for the public to see. Why spend zoo money on exhibits that the public can’t see? I am very sad about the direction the zoo seems to be heading. Abilene is very privileged to have a nice zoo, I hope that doesn’t change!
Posted by passage on July 27, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One of the main impressions I received from my tour of the zoo, was one that has existed there for years – a whole lot of race and not enough horse. Some of the projects we’ve been hearing about recently have been contracted out, and once started, should go quickly. The Elm Creek Boardwalk area has been worked on since I was there in April, and they have projected finishing in about six months. It is being constructed by zoo staff, which means, as fast ‘as humanly possible’.
We have a lot of talent in Abilene. How many are willing to say, “I helped build that boardwalk”; or, “I helped with the landscaping”; or, “See, that rock work? I’m the one that laid it out”; or, “I helped with the fund-raiser that made this exhibit possible.”
I am. And I’ve been asked to find the rest of you. If you really want to see things happen – be a part of making them happen. Contact your zoo, and let’s get organized. You really can make a difference! The sweat will wash off, but the rewards will be lasting.
Posted by BillsRanchiz on July 27, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Passage,
This is exactly what some of us have been upset with; having our chains jerked as Jen so eloquently stated. In a column a month ago, Baker stated the Boardwalk would be finished at the end of August. "We anticipate completion by the end of August". Then he proclaims to be starting another project. You visit the zoo and what do they tell you? Or let me paraphrase, since you said you were asked to find us- “The Boardwalk will be another six months”? So, in less than 30 days the project completion went from a month and a half to seven and a half months????? We are supposed to be happy about that? We should be excited about that? No, angered would be more like it. They said it’s being done in house, and then you go there and are told that it’s being contracted out? See where the skepticism comes from? The story changes faster then we can read. I thought it was crazy before, now I know it is! And you want us to help? No thanks! If they can’t finish it, don’t start it! My kids can spin a yarn almost as far-fetched, so I can stay on the other side of my fence line and get all the malarkey I can handle. This just keeps getting better and better. The zoo was better when it wasn't so scatter-brained. At this rate we may not even have a zoo in two years it's so misguided. It’ll be bankrupt with 30 unfinished projects where the animals used to be. Writing the Mayor is more plausible every day, this is nuts.
Posted by JenzGripe2 on July 27, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mine are typed.
Posted by passage on July 28, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I may be wrong. We may see completion of the Boardwalk by August. It is true that most of the projects are constructed by the zoo staff, but some require equipment and licensed contractors that are not available "in house".
I don't work there, but I know what it's like to work there. A million dollars is huge, but it doesn't go very far in today's economy. Maybe you haven't noticed?
We're also living in West Texas, where our average temperature this time of year is 98 -103 degrees. Try working in that heat. Sometimes you’re forced to multitask – weld in morning, work on a project that’s less heat intensive in the afternoon. You end up completing more than one project at a time. Oh by the way, let’s not forget we have cages to clean and animals to feed. Heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are not only inconvenient, they are real hazardous.
Most animals are nocturnal, or smart enough to avoid the heat. Even nocturnal animals are active in the mornings and evenings – especially in captivity, were they have regular feeding schedules.
Are you mad because things are happening, but not happening fast enough? Have you ever remodeled your house? Do your own projects ever go fast enough? Doesn’t it feel good to have someone sitting on the couch and constantly reminding you it’s not happening fast enough?
Set an example. Either lend a hand, or be patient.
Posted by Proudpoppa on July 28, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the remodeling business, most are quick enough to realize when a job is out of their league. So they bring in the talent who can. In the remodeling trade one also understands that not finishing your contract or repeatedly pushing back deadlines gets one replaced!
Posted by BillsRanchiz on July 28, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Passage,
You are the new spokesperson for the zoo? You said that you were sent by the zoo to recruit and get people involved? Your method is to talk down to people and haul them over the coals just because they don't want to help do someone elses job? I have to say, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. GO ZOO!!!!
Posted by Proudpoppa on July 28, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Give it a rest ya'll! It's like a cat fight in here and nobody is going to convince the other of anything. I'll say it again- the Zoo is run through the city......take it to them. Or just don't go anymore. But isn't there a better way to expend your energy? Keep your money and treat the kids to the movies, Frontier Texas or the Grace Museum instead. And/or write to the correct audience. (It's that big building on Walnut)
Posted by passage on July 28, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly! And talent costs money, unless you have talented friends in the business willing to lend you a hand.
Need Examples of people lending a hand?
Habitat for Humanity, a local Barn Raising, the Lion's Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rescue the Animals, Boys & Girls Clubs of Abilene, the Food Bank, just to name a few.
Quality of life in Abilene depends a lot on volunteerism. Ironically, doing something you enjoy for a few hours a week, will benefit you more the organization you are helping.
Posted by passage on July 28, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BillsRanchiz,
No, I'm not the spokesperson. Especially, on Mondays! I was asked (not sent) to see if other people were interested in volunteering. Volunteering is not for everybody, and that's alright. But for some, it’s way to push progress, and that’s what we’re after.
Posted by Civic05 on July 31, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Exhibit design and implementation takes time. The current administration at the zoo is actually getting more done in a shorter amount of time. Ask yourself - what was being done before the new Director came in? The only major project done before was the new entrance, which did not bring any new animals in.
In exhibit construction, there are unforseen complications pretty much 100% of the time, either large or small. This is common place at zoos - don't just think it only happens at the Abilene Zoo.
And, the zoo is actually a city / friends of the zoo. The land is owned by the city, and they pay the salaries of most of the zoo staff, but the friends of the zoo raises money for other expansion (except for publically voted on bonds) from dontations, gate receipts, and grants.
Posted by passage on July 31, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Civic05,
We need to get in touch. Zoo Day is Saturday. I could meet you out front (we may already know each other). I have a project that I believe you will be very excited about. It involves the zoo, and education. Your background at the zoo will be valued and appreciated (possibly for the first time in a long time). I was burned in the past too, and it took me years to return. I’m glad I finally did. The zoo grips at your heart, especially when you’ve been there daily for a number of years. I can’t turn that feeling off, anymore than I can turn my back when the zoo needs help.
Posted by Civic05 on July 31, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't live in Texas, so of course, could not go to the zoo any time soon. I now work at a different zoo. I'm considering leaving the field and pursuing a different career.
Posted by passage on August 1, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I left the zoo business and finished my degree in Environmental Science, and now work for the State as an environmental investigator. It is interesting, pays a whole lot better, and it is a growing profession. When did you work at the Abilene Zoo? Which zoo has you now? (if you don’t mind telling us)
Posted by Civic05 on August 1, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I worked at the zoo from 01-06. I work at a zoo in tennessee now, but am going back to graduate school this year to teach.
Posted by passage on August 3, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck!
Posted by Civic05 on August 7, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just gave my two week notice today. The zoo world just doesn't seem to agree with me. I wish I worked at the Abilene Zoo now, with all the renovations going on and something getting done for the animals.
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