By Sandra Tragesser
UHCLIDIAN STAFF
(click on images to view larger picture and caption)
photos by Sandra Tragesser

As the rain poured down and the wind swirled violently, a baby giraffe burst out of its mother's womb and gasped its first breath. The crowd cheered while a cheetah, the newborn's natural enemy, paced frantically 20 feet away, locked behind a glass enclosure.

"His name is Tufani, which means Stormy in Swahili," said Tonya Metz, a docent at the Houston Zoo.

Stormy is a Masai giraffe born Sept. 6 at the Houston Zoological Gardens. He is one of several animals successfully bred in captivity at the zoo this year.

The Houston Zoo houses a variety of animals to attract visitors, but also focuses on conservation of endangered wildlife by developing innovative breeding programs to preserve the population of vanishing species.

"People think zoos are only for entertainment, but they are so much more," said Susan Mills, veterinary assistant. "They are sanctuaries for animals. Here at the zoo, we have over 130 species of threatened or endangered animals."

Located on 55 acres in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals representing more than 700 species. The zoo is the most visited attraction in Texas.

In the past, zoos kept wildlife in cages to keep animals locked up and people safe. Zoo architects today attempt to unify safety with recreating an animal's natural environment.

The Houston Zoo participates in conservation efforts that preserve species diversity on a local, national and global level. The zoo is a member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

This organization represents 160 zoos, which participate in the development of strategic collection planning, species management, international conservation projects and other zoo-based activities, said Rick Baronji, director of the Houston Zoo.

One effort concerns a Sumatran orangutan, Elok, who was born Nov. 1, 2000, at the Memphis Zoo. His mother, Puti, was unable to properly care for him.

Last February, Elok was sent to the Houston Zoo, so Cheyenne, a Bornean-Sumatran hybrid orangutan could act as his surrogate mother. Cheyenne, who is unable to have babies of her own, previously accepted and cared for an infant orangutan from another resident female. Elok gained not only a mother but a sister as well.

"The Elok experiment is a complete success," Metz said. "Mother and son are both thriving."

Orangutans are an endangered species. Logging is rapidly destroying the rainforests where they live. Orangutans are also victims of poaching and smuggling for the pet trade.

"As human beings have spread across the globe, the breeding and migratory patterns of wild animals has forever changed," Mills said. "Since we can't put the world back the way it was, we must try to invent new ways to deal with the problem of endangered animals."

Mexican wolves have all but disappeared in the United States and Mexico because of habitat destruction, disease and bounties that were placed on the wolves in the 17th century.

In 1995, the Houston Zoo was chosen as one of the captive breeding sites of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program.

"Our efforts were rewarded last April, when three pups were born," Metz said. "With the successful births we've had, we can better understand the needs of the animals and better educate the community."

Zoos act as centers of education and are designed to make learning about wildlife interesting. They provide visitors with the chance to see rare creatures, such as tigers, flamingos and river otters that come from different parts of the world.

The Houston Zoo also offers a valuable learning experience in an increasingly urban world.

The renovated John P. McGovern Children's Zoo is the ideal arena for youngsters to learn about the work involved in keeping animals and about the differences between domesticated and wild animals.

"The children's portion of the zoo is fantastic," said Marsha Callins, art major. "You can tunnel with the prairie dogs, mingle with the goats and even pet a sting ray. It's the most rewarding entertainment around."

For students, volunteer opportunities are available at the Houston Zoo.

College students interested in a career in conservation, wildlife management, environmental education or related zoo business can apply for an unpaid internship.

"The only way we can hope to save more animals is by educating the public," Mills said. "Conservation is expensive and we are dependent on the generosity of the community for funding and volunteering. Education and community involvement are the keys for the survival of zoos."

Tickets are $5 for ages 13-64, $2 for children 3-12, while kids 2 and under are free. Senior citizens' tickets are $3. The Houston Zoo gives a 10 percent group discount for advance reservations. Also, the zoo has several free days including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and the day after Thanksgiving.

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