Staff Report

The Santa Barbara Zoo recently welcomed Stella and Mini, two cotton-top tamarin siblings who arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo earlier this month from the Central Florida Zoo.

Stella is female and 6½ years old, and Mini is male and 5½ years old. Both were born at the Central Florida Zoo and came to Santa Barbara on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan.

Cotton-top tamarins are one of the smallest species of primates and are found in a small area of northern Colombia where there are only about 6,000 individuals left in the wild. These small monkeys (they each weigh about 1 pound) play an important role in rainforest ecology by dispersing digested seeds throughout the forest. They are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN due to deforestation and illegal pet trade.

They vocalize using a shrill whistling sound that changes depending on what they are communicating to each other. These monkeys are named for the shock of white hair on the tops of their heads which stands out in contrast to the darker black and brown tones of the hair on the rest of their bodies.

Guests can visit the cotton-tops in their new home next to the capybaras on Zoo Train Lane.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  For more information visit www.sbzoo.org.

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Staff Report

The Santa Barbara Zoo has welcomed three male Western grey kangaroos, who will call the new Australian Walkabout exhibit home. 

The kangaroos join four Bennett’s wallabies and two emus, who have recently all moved into the exhibit to adjust to their new surroundings and each other.

Construction on the Australian Walkabout is complete and officially opened on Jan. 8. The new exhibit is designed to transport guests “Down Under,” where they can walk among the wallabies, kangaroos, emus, and also see native Australian birds and plants.

“We’re happy to share that all the animals are now cohabitating in the exhibit, and getting acclimated with each other and their new surroundings,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and health. “So far the animals all seem to be adjusting really well, and we’re really looking forward to introducing these unique and iconic animals to our guests very soon!”

Max the kangaroo was born in May 2020 and came to the Santa Barbara Zoo from the San Diego Zoo. Aspen and Coolibah are brothers that arrived together from the Los Angeles Zoo. The older brother Aspen was born in August 2019, and the younger brother Coolibah, named after a type of eucalyptus tree, was born in August 2020.

Western grey kangaroos are in the family of marsupials called Macropodidae (“big foot”), a family of 50 species that includes kangaroos and wallabies, among others. As one of the largest macropods, the adult males weigh around 120 pounds, and the females weigh in at around 60 pounds. They are a social species and usually live in groups known as ‘mobs’ of up to 50.

Western grey kangaroos have powerful, large rear legs which support the familiar leaping motion, also aided by their long tail, which acts as a balance. Western grey kangaroos are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, some herbs, leaves, tree bark and shrubs. They also have a high tolerance to certain plant toxins. Contrary to its common name, they are found throughout southern Australia, from the Indian Ocean in Western Australia to western Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland.

Construction is nearly complete on the 15,000 square-foot Australian Walkabout, which will open to the public on January 8, 2022. The new exhibit is specifically designed to put guests right in the middle of the action, exploring open pathways, beautiful landscapes, and seeing some of the most iconic and unique wildlife representatives from the continent of Australia.

Max is sponsored by Jess & Aaron Goldberg, Coolibah is sponsored by Charlotte & Ken Richardson and Aspen is sponsored by Alaia.

Help welcome the newest residents of the Australian Walkabout by becoming a kangaroo Foster Feeder today. Visit https://www.sbzoo.org/support/  to learn more.

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Staff Report

The Santa Barbara Zoo’s iconic fundraiser Zoofari Ball makes its comeback with Zoofari Ball XXXV, 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Zoofari Ball guests experience after dark at the park, while supporting the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures including all the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

The theme of Zoofari Ball XXXV is “Return to Basecamp,” reuniting supporters of the zoo. Attendees are encouraged to don safari-style gear and join the party on the hilltop. Rincon Events will serve up a spread back at camp, including sunset cocktails, and music under the stars. All guests must be 21 or older.

“If there’s one thing for sure we can say about this past year, it’s been wild,” said Rich Block, Santa Barbara Zoo CEO. “We’re looking forward to celebrating together in person finally, and also shining a light on the continued need for support to make up for what was lost due to the pandemic.

“We can’t wait to welcome you back to the hilltop for Santa Barbara’s biggest ‘fun-raiser’ of the year.” 

Despite being closed to the public twice for four months due to the pandemic, the zoo remained dedicated to the health and welfare of the animals, the safety of its employees that continued working on-site, and continued efforts to save local endangered and threatened wildlife.

The zoo’s closure created an abrupt and devastating interruption to its normal admissions-driven revenues. The unrealized revenues from the lack of attendance — no food and beverage or retail sales, no on-site education program fees, and no attraction or private and public event revenue — was greater than any revenue loss the zoo has experienced in its 57-year history.

Zoofari Ball XXXV is both a chance for the zoo to welcome supporters back for its signature event, and it will help raise needed funds to help the zoo recover financially.

The Zoofari Ball honorary chairs are Nancy and Ted McToldridge, and supported by a committee of local leaders including Marcy Bazzani, Ross Beardsley, Elaine Mah Best, Alexandra Bongiovanni, Christy Borneman, Deanna Buley, Vince Caballero, Wendy Campbell, Ashleigh Davis, Colleen Dennis, Mindy Denson, Jessica Fisher, Karen Gray, Patricia Griffin, Michael Hurst, Kim Kirkhart, Tracy Krainer, Marjorie Large, Desirea Lekhraj-Loftus, Katharine Mallin, Kirk A. Martin, Randee Martin, Sue McCue, Kevin Nuss, Robyn Parker, Jenna Perez, Pam Polan, Pam Powers, Elissa Rubin, Shelley Schulte, Heather Schuyler Gray, Amy Sloan, Betsy Turner and Shannon Vernon.

The zoo is looking for more Zoofari Ball sponsors. To learn more about sponsoring the event, contact Sam Franz at sfranz@sbzoo.org or call 805-679-8442.

This year’s Zoofari Ball XXXV sponsors include:

Diamond sponsors: Thomas and Nancy Crawford; The Dreier Family; Hutton Parker Foundation; Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree; Union Bank.

Platinum sponsors: Bella Vista Designs, Inc.; Mimi Michaelis; Robert K. and Barbara J. Straus Family Foundation; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Ventura Toyota; John Woodward.

Gold sponsors: Action Roofing and Action Energy; Arlington Financial Advisors; Jeffrey & Margo Baker Barbakow; City National Bank; The Dill Family; HUB International of California Insurance Services, Inc.; The Hurst Family; The Krainer Family; Ted and Nancy McToldridge; Montecito Bank & Trust; Mosher Foundation; Robert and Deborah Myman; Northern Trust; Rudi Schulte Family Foundation; Schipper Construction; U.S. Bank.

Silver sponsors: American Riviera Bank; In Loving Memory of Polly Blackburn; Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP; CopperPoint Insurance Companies; Cottage Children’s Medical Center; CSU Channel Islands; Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner & Morrisset; Gary Frolenko Engineering & Elissa Rubin; Giffin & Crane General Contractors, LLC; Patricia and Alan Griffin; Peter and Gerd Jordano; Stina Hans & Joel Kreiner; Jensen Audio & Visual; Wendy and Philip Kistler; La Cumbre Animal Hospital; Katharine Mallin; Robert and Elizabeth Manger; David and Maureen Morehouse; Nye, Stirling, Hale & Miller, LLP; Will and Pam Powers; Sol Wave Water; Tolman & Wiker Insurance; Shannon and Bradley Vernon; Sue and Bill Wagner; White Hat Innovation; The Wyatt Family.

Rock sponsors: President Erika Beck and California State University; Northridge Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management; The Angelo Mozilo Family; Alison Overseth and Ken deRegt.

For full details and tickets to Zoofari Ball XXXV, visit https://www.sbzoo.org/zoofari-2021/. The zoo will adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines for the event.

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Mary Lou, the 58-year-old American alligator at the Santa Barbara Zoo, has died. Mary Lou had lived at the Santa Barbara Zoo since it first opened, making her the oldest and longest-term resident.

“A week ago Mary Lou began showing symptoms of being very ill with a systemic disease, and was being treated,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, vice president of Animal Care & Health at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Despite our efforts to reverse her symptoms, she did not respond to treatment.

“A necropsy was performed over the weekend, which showed she had multiple severe pathologies that are most likely consistent with a generalized bacterial infection suspected to have originated from the reproductive tract. Tissue samples have been submitted, and we will likely know more when we get the histopathology results in a few weeks.

“Mary Lou has had a long and healthy life here at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and has been loved by so many staff and guests over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has loved and cared for her during her long life at the zoo,” Barnes said.

Mary Lou arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo in 1964, along with a male alligator. The zoo’s first director, Ted McToldridge, who retired in 1997, recalled when Mary Lou first arrived.

“A little boy showed up at the zoo one day, holding out a shoebox with two little alligators inside, and said ‘Mister, will you take care of my alligators? My mommy won’t let me keep them,’ and so we took them into our care,” McToldridge said.

The two alligators were thought to be about 1 year old at that time. The male died in 1997. American alligators generally live until around 50 years old, and Mary Lou lived about 58 years.

“Mary Lou was the oldest animal at the zoo, both in years lived and years in residence,” said Nancy McToldridge, current zoo director. “That made her very special. She was known and loved, not only by staff and guests, but also by crocodilian enthusiasts across the country. We will miss her very much.”

In 1967, American alligators were protected as an endangered species, even before the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This was due to habitat loss and hunting for their skins, which were used to make handbags, wallets, shoes and other products. Just 20 years later, their numbers rebounded, and American alligators were considered one of the first endangered species success stories.

Today, more than 1 million alligators can be found in the swamps and wetlands of the American Southeast, and they are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List.

For more about the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit sbzoo.org.

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Monty, one of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s penguins, has had quite the year. Beginning on March 17, 2020, the zoo closed to the public due to the global pandemic. Three days later, little Monty started to make a big difference.

A hand-raised Humboldt penguin, this curious bird loves to explore with his keeper Ellie Cullip, and although the zoo was empty of guests, it was filled with the adventures of Monty. 

He left his familiar penguin habitat to discover the rest of the zoo, meeting Bangori the Western lowland gorilla, Michael the Masai giraffe, HoneyBun the rabbit, the leopard tortoises and more, always making sure to find a favorite leaf along the way. 

Monty’s adventures were shared virtually through the zoo’s social media channels, and with each new video, Monty brought more and more joy. People of all ages and from all around the world proclaimed their love for the little bird that brought smiles to their day. 

These adventures have been captured in a new book, “Monty’s Marvelous Adventures,” written by Dori Edwards, the zoo’s marketing coordinator and a lifelong animal lover. She was fascinated by watching Monty explore the world outside his comfort zone, meeting so many different animals he’d never laid eyes on before. And while people were quarantined in their homes and disconnected from one another, she watched how Monty connected everyone through their shared love of his love for the world around him, and was inspired to tell the story through Monty’s eyes.

“I feel so lucky and grateful to watch the positive impact Monty made on so many,” Edwards said. “He offers daily reminders of the beauty in sharing this planet, and I wanted his story to be told. I wanted people to be able to have something from 2020 that reminded them there’s always a hope to hold on to, even when it feels like there’s not. 

“Monty and Ellie taught us about acceptance, curiosity, open hearts, and intentionally and consciously loving beyond and because of differences. They taught us about the importance of connection with everything and everyone. I had this incredible opportunity to watch Monty better people’s lives, to read the thousands of comments about him bringing smiles, and I also had the experience of my life being changed. Being around his energy of open curiosity reminded me to show up to the world the same way. To look at life with new eyes, to have fun, to love, to learn, to find the biggest joy in the smallest leaf.”

Monty’s keeper Cullip also plays an important role in this story. She began working at the Santa Barbara Zoo approximately five years ago, and raising Monty was one of the first animal care relationships she cultivated. 

While the zoo was temporarily closed in the spring, Cullip and the other keepers continued their important work, ensuring the health and welfare of the animals who reside at the zoo. The zoo’s keepers are always looking for enrichment activities that help increase an animal’s physical and mental activity levels, as well as remind them of natural behaviors, leading to a happier and healthier animal. With no guests around, Cullip took this opportunity to explore with Monty.

“Monty is such a special penguin, with a heart and spirit for adventure!” Cullip said. “He may be small, but he showed such braveness and curiosity throughout all our adventures. It’s been a really rewarding experience for me as well, seeing him continue to thrive and bring so much joy to so many people, myself included.”

When discussions about the book began, Montecito Bank & Trust, which sponsors Monty, loved the idea and generously offered to sponsor the publication of “Monty’s Marvelous Adventures.” Thanks to their sponsorship, all proceeds from the book will directly support Monty and all of the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

From the comfort of his rocky island to the jungles, savannas and deserts of the Santa Barbara Zoo, Monty met some of the tallest, strongest and slowest animals. As he learned that being different is beautiful, he taught an important lesson about what it means to accept oneself and others. 

“Monty’s Marvelous Adventures” is on sale through the zoo’s online retail shop at https://www.sbzoovenirs.org/products/montys-marvelous-adventures, and the first 100 copies sold will receive a limited edition book personally “signed” by Monty himself, with his painted flippers. 

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The Santa Barbara Zoo announces plans to safely reopen its doors to the Santa Barbara community on Saturday, January 30, 2021.  After being closed to guests since December 7, the Zoo will reopen to the general public once again by online reservation only. 

Guests will get to meet some of the Zoo’s newest residents who arrived at the Zoo since they last visited, including Penelope and Calabaza, the white-faced saki monkeys; two baby flamingos; fireback pheasants, and a glimpse into the construction of the new Australian Walkabout exhibit. 

Following guidelines set by the State and County, the Zoo will continue the implementation of a number of safety enhancements and modifications to protect the health and safety of all guests, staff, and animals. In order to properly manage the number of guests in the park, online reservations will be required for both paid guests and Zoo members. Guests can use the online reservation system to book a timed entry slot prior to visiting the Zoo. A complete guide to the new safety enhancements and modifications can be found on the Zoo’s website. 

The Santa Barbara Zoo looks forward to making this a fun and safe experience for all guests, staff, and animals! For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

The Zoo is also still accepting registrations for Spring and Summer Zoo Camp! Spring Zoo Camp is March 22 – 26, and Summer Zoo Camp is June 7–August 13 and is for children ages 3–12. In addition to its traditional camp, the Zoo is offering several specialty options including Junior Zookeeper Camp, Backyard Biologist Camp and Camp in a Box. See the Zoo Camp webpage for more information and to register: https://www.sbzoo.org/learn/zoo-camp/. 

About The Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 am for members and 9:30 am for general admission until 5 pm; general admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit www.sbzoo.org. 

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The Santa Barbara Zoo is excited to welcome Penelope and Calabaza, two new white-faced saki monkeys who will now call Santa Barbara home. Calabaza is 3 years old and came to the Santa Barbara Zoo from Zoo Miami, where he lived with his parents and 1-year-old sister. Penelope is 2 years old and came from Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. 

The two were matched by the Species Survival Plan (SSP) managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and have a breeding recommendation.

The zookeepers are enjoying getting to know the two new monkeys and are helping them comfortably adjust to their new home.

“Penelope has settled in well and while she’s still a bit shy, she has been opening up and starting to show her personality more and more,” said Kristen Wieners, zoological manager and training facilitator at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Calabaza is very curious about everything and anything in his surroundings, and is also quite the talker when he gets excited. We are in the process of introducing the two to each other, and so far things are going well.”

Penelope and Calabaza are the first two of their kind to call the Santa Barbara Zoo home. White-faced sakis are named for the male’s appearance, but the males and females look very different. The males are recognizable with all black hair and distinctive white faces, while the females and their young have brownish-gray “salt-and-pepper” hair. 

White-faced sakis are known for their loud calls that monogamous pairs of males and females sing together to establish their territory. Their song helps seal their bonds of courtship as well as defend their turf. Penelope and Calabaza can be found in the primate exhibit (near the penguins) with the golden lion tamarins, an endangered species of monkey also native to South American rainforests (specifically in Brazil).

White-faced saki populations face various human related threats, including hunting, pet trade, and habitat destruction. The Santa Barbara Zoo participates in the white-faced saki Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

While the Santa Barbara Zoo will be temporarily closed, the community is encouraged to visit their website sbzoo.org as well as their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) as a way to enjoy the zoo from the comfort of home. The zoo looks forward to welcoming the public back once it’s safe, and appreciates the community’s ongoing support. To consider making a donation to the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Emergency Operations Fund, go to https://sbzoo.pivvit.com/support-the-zoo-during-covid-19-recovery.

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Longtime friend of the Santa Barbara Zoo and New York Times best-selling author Sy Montgomery has turned her formidable talents to the story of California condors and the scientists who have fought against their extinction in the next installment in her award-winning Scientists in the Field series, “Condor Comeback.” Featured in the book are several team members from the Santa Barbara Zoo who have played key roles in the California Condor Recovery Program.

“This is a terrific time to share the thrilling success story of the condor comeback with readers of all ages,” Montgomery said. “At a time when we hunger for healing and connection, here we present one of the world’s most creative, collective and concentrated conservation efforts of all time.”

The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of a handful of zoos to exhibit these critically endangered birds and the closest zoo geographically to the condor’s natural habitat. The zoo has been an active collaborator with the California Condor Recovery Program since 2002, providing veterinary, logistical and other support for condor reintroduction efforts. Leading the zoo’s efforts in this program is a team so dedicated to their work that Montgomery was inspired to follow their journey in “Condor Comeback.” Among those featured are Dr. Estelle Sandhaus, director of conservation and science for the Santa Barbara Zoo, Condor Biologist Dave Meyer, Conservation and Science Associate Nadya Seal, Condor Nest Biologist Erin Arnold and Birdkeeper Ellie Culip.

“Through the tireless work of condor program partners and stakeholders, the condor has been successfully bred in human care, been reintroduced after a period of extinction in the wild, now has multiple generations of birds nesting in the wild, and has returned to historic breeding, nesting, and foraging habitat,” Dr. Sandhaus said. “Recovery is within our sights as we continue to partner with the community to reduce key anthropogenic threats, including the reduction of exposure to lead-tainted meat through the use of non-lead alternatives to lead ammunition. It has been such a privilege to work with Sy to bring this remarkable story of conservation partnerships and optimism to young readers all over the nation!”

In April 1987, the last wild California condor was captured and taken to live in captivity like the other 26 remaining birds of its kind. Montgomery details the efforts of scientists, volunteers and everyday citizens to get California condors back in the wild.

“Thanks to people with different backgrounds and different talents — from zookeepers to field biologists, from Chumash elders to eager schoolchildren — these magnificent birds are back in the sky in the hundreds,” Montgomery said. “But we’re still not done yet, and the book tells how readers can help.”

“Condor Comeback” is complete with world-class, full-color photography by Tianne Strombeck and helpful sidebars that provide details such as the history of the bird’s fight back from extinction, the dangers of lead poisoning, and the relationship of condors to the Chumash nation.

“Conservation is one of our primary responsibilities as a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and we’re extremely lucky to have such an incredible, dedicated team,” shared Rich Block, CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. “We are thrilled that the team got to play such an important role in this book, and we can’t wait for our community to read all about it!”

Publisher Weekly had high praise for the book, saying “Alongside Strombeck’s crisp photographs, Montgomery details the realities of their work — from thrilling moments such as spotting a baby chick to long observation sessions where not much happens —and has a knack for evocative descriptions …Though the condor’s future remains tenuous, Montgomery’s compelling page-turner inspires optimism.”

“Condor Comeback” is available for purchase at the zoo’s gift shop or online at https://www.sbzoovenirs.org/ or amazon.com.

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As parents struggle to navigate the new challenges surrounding remote learning due to coronavirus concerns, many are searching for additional resources and support for their students who will not be returning to classrooms.

In an effort to meet the growing education needs for families who are navigating a remote learning environment, the Santa Barbara Zoo is expanding its existing Outdoor Ed program to the public and has launched Early Explorers, a play-based early education program for children ages 3-5. 

The Early Explorer program focuses on teaching through experiences. Early Explorers will learn an appreciation for the natural world through gardening, outdoor play, exploration and discovery in the zoo’s 28-acre outdoor classroom.

Students are placed in mixed-age groups (with student to teacher ratio of 9:1) to enhance the development of academic and social skills. Train rides, animal encounters and art are incorporated into this outdoor childcare program.

For details and to register, visit https://www.sbzoo.org/learn/outdoor-ed/. A T-shirt is included with registration.

The Outdoor Ed program was established in 2014 and typically offered as a homeschool program. This year, the zoo is expanding Outdoor Ed by opening enrollment to traditional public school students who are interested in a one-day-a-week alternative to independent, at-home learning. It is open to all students ages 3-15.

The program’s interactive approach fulfills California standards by introducing age-specific content and developing research skills. Over each eight-week session, students explore scientific topics via recording observations, evaluating problems and developing solutions.

Students who participate in Outdoor Ed will learn in small groups and will be placed by age. Outdoor Ed will be held exclusively outside in designated zones away from the public and will be following all health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

While the zoo’s first session is full, registration is now open for the second session, which runs Nov. 9 to Jan. 22. For details and registration, visit https://www.sbzoo.org/learn/outdoor-ed/.

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