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About Author: Rick Schwartz

Posts by Rick Schwartz

2

A Little Binturong in the Big Apple

By
Rick Schwartz
– August 1, 2011Posted in: Animal Stories, Animals and Plants, Uncategorized

You may have already seen our young binturong (bearcat) out and about in the San Diego Zoo, or maybe you just received your August 2011 copy of ZOONOOZ. Or maybe, just maybe, you caught his national debut on TODAY in New York last week. At just over a year old, the very charming Phu Ket (foo-ket) has definitely proven himself as a star animal ambassador for the San Diego Zoo. Though he has traveled around San Diego with me and his other trainers before, and has even been on many local TV news shows, the trip to New York is exceptional in many ways.

On the human side of it all, there is a lot of preparation for our appearance in New York. We ship out everything we will need for our stay well in advance. It sure is nice having everything we need waiting for us once we get there. Then we get ready to fly out with our animals, making sure we have everything we need to travel with them, including things that make them feel at home wherever we may be.

On Phu Ket’s list of “things that make him feel at home” is his rather large (a little bigger than him) stuffed animal toy that looks like a cartoon duck. He loves to cuddle and sleep with it, and thus it was clear it needed to come to New York with us. As we traveled across the country, everyone cracked a smile, even pointing and laughing a little, when they saw a Phu Ket’s crate with this bright yellow duck strapped to the top. My response was always the same, “He’d have it in there with him, but there’s just not enough room in there for both of them.”

Upon arriving in New York and setting up his habitat in the hotel room (yes, animal ambassadors stay in a hotel room with us), Phu Ket was more than happy to see his beloved duck had safely made the trip with us. It was very cute to see him jump up, flop down onto the duck, and then roll with it when he first saw it. The next morning, when it was time to get ready to go to the TODAY studio, I sure wish I had a camera with me: little Phu was all curled up in his bedding with one foreleg and his head resting on the duck. Not only did he look adorable, but very comfortable, too.

When we returned to San Diego, I was asked several times how Phu Ket did with his big adventure to New York. One word that came up time and time again was “solid.” This is a term sometimes used in animal training to define an animal that is very comfortable and confident in many surroundings and is not affected by much of anything. From our flights across country in cargo planes to being in the big television studio to staying in a hotel room, this little binturong took it all in stride, as if this is something he has always done. What’s really important to understand is that this is all a result of the outstanding team of keepers and trainers that have worked with him since his arrival to the Zoo so many months ago. A lot of work and dedication to his training has indeed given him the confidence to be a great animal ambassador.

If you missed his national television debut, here’s a link to the show he was on.

And if you live in San Diego, you might see him on one of our local news programs again soon. Of course, if you come to the Zoo, keep an eye out for this young and playful binturong. He has stolen my heart, and with his charisma he’s bound to get yours, too.

Rick Schwartz is a keeper and ambassador for the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, Meeting Famous Galápagos Characters.

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5

Meeting Famous Galápagos Characters

By
Rick Schwartz
– September 14, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Events at the Zoo, Projects in the Field

The entrance to Galapagos National Park

Read Rick’s previous post, Highlands of the Galápagos.

The headquarters of the Galápagos National Park (GNP), located on the island of Santa Cruz, houses not only the main breeding facility (which I will tell you more about later) but also a couple of famous characters.

Lonesome George

In the early 1970s, when Lonesome George was found on the island of Pinta, it was believed that there were no more tortoises of his subspecies alive. This was due in part to the mass hunting that took place by pirates, whalers, and merchants alike as they used the islands as a stopping point to gather food. It was also common in generations past to drop off goats onto these islands to be hunted for food later when the ships passed by again. For the tortoise, this was problematic because the goats became feral, reproducing and eating faster than the tortoise, and consequently, the tortoise population could not be sustained in the face of these rapid changes to their ecosystem.

A GNP worker brings food out for the tortoises.

Of course, finding Lonesome George was a positive moment for conservation efforts and a possible turning point for bringing this subspecies back from the very edge of extinction. Sadly, after an extensive search on Pinta and searching zoos around the world, no female of the same subspecies could be found. Thus, his name—Lonesome George—is in direct reference to being the last living member of his subspecies.

Seeing him there at the GNP headquarters, he seemed far from lonesome. He has at least two females living with him that I could see, and of course he has his human caretakers. In hopes of at least carrying on the genes of the tortoises of Pinta, Lonesome George was placed with two females from the neighboring Isabela. It is believed that the tortoises from the Wolf Volcano region of Isabela were very close in genetic makeup and thus may produce viable offspring that may be placed back on Pinta. Unfortunately, in the last 38 years that Lonesome George has resided at the GNP’s breeding facility, he has yet to successfully produce offspring with these females.

Diego

At the other end of the “repopulation spectrum” is Diego, who has fathered over 1,500 babies in the last 30+ years! Diego’s story is an outstanding example of how cooperation between different organizations can truly make a difference in saving wildlife.

In the 1970s, it was discovered that only 10 females and 2 males were left on the island of Espanola (formally known as Hood). They were gathered and brought to GNP headquarters for the breeding program. It was also discovered that in the 1930s, a male of this subspecies was brought to the San Diego Zoo. He was thriving well at the Zoo, but it was understood that in an effort to secure the future of the subspecies, he had a very important role to fill back at the breeding facility in the Galápagos Islands. With the joint efforts of the San Diego Zoo and the GNP, Diego made his way back to the Galápagos Islands in 1977 and has been happily fulfilling the role of number-one male breeder ever since! In fact, while we were there we heard from several guides and locals that he is known as “Super Diego,” or the less used but no less correct “macho,” as he has a history of being rather aggressive toward the other males.

I was told that at this time, the island of Espanola now has a population of the native subspecies that is thriving and even reproducing on its own. I was also told that this is very much due to the contributions of Super Diego. Of course, the local government ridding the island of the goats, rats, and other invasive creatures probably had a lot to do with it, too!

Having been able to spend a couple of days at the GNP headquarters, I recognized a familiar commitment to conservation. The efforts put into securing a safe future for these distinct ecosystems were highlighted by getting to know the stories of the past and the individuals behind those stories. Lonesome George and Diego are only two of the many that are part of the history and the future of the Galápagos Islands.

Rick Schwartz is a zookeeper and the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.

Watch video about some of the Zoo’s Galápagos tortoises.

Watch video of the Zoo’s upcoming event, Reptilemania, happening September 16 to 19, 2010.

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7

Highlands of the Galápagos

By
Rick Schwartz
– August 24, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Events at the Zoo

A smooth-billed ani admires a Galápagos tortoise.

In the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, damp tradewinds from the southeast meet the fertile landscape at elevations around 1,100 feet (350 meters) and higher. As I mentioned in my previous post, Galápagos Islands: The Real Thing, the flourishing “cloud forest” is quite a contrast to the “arid zone” found to the north in the lower elevations.

The one thing I noticed immediately was the lack of sound in the highlands. Away from the ocean crashing into the beach and well beyond the small town of Puerto Ayora, the low clouds seemed to silence the world around us. Though there were several species of finches and even a few smooth-billed ani flying here and there, few, if any, were making any notable noise.

Two males duke it out, tortoise style.

Walking through the grasses and low trees of the highlands, it was not long at all until we came upon several of the legendary giant tortoises. Massive and slow, but far from lumbering, these gentle giants grazed on the soft young grasses that grow abundantly in this captivating environment. As I sat and watched these large reptiles, the quiet was soon broken as two tortoises began to square off for a fight. It was the initial loud hiss that grabbed my attention: both had their necks outstretched, heads held high, and mouths gaping. From what I understand, this is usually the most that occurs between two passing tortoises; but these two took it a step further, tucking in their heads and slamming into each other with a sound that could only be described as two boulders knocking into one another.

A tortoise does some Rick watching.

Hiking a bit further on, there were several other tortoises throughout the area. Many would see me coming and turn away, as if not wanting to be disturbed, so I let them be and continued on. Some allowed me to get a few photos, and then they, too, turned as if to say they were done posing and needed to get back to grazing. However, there was one that I was able to sit about 8 feet (2.4 meters) away from and just watch. He did not seem to mind my wanting to observe, and thus he continued with his grazing for a bit. Then, raising his head, he started to watch me. I could not help but take countless photos as I became the observed. For several minutes, in complete quiet, we just sat and watched each other. He then looked around and continued eating.

Rick does some tortoise watching.

Having had the opportunity to observe and watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, I can see why these islands were once known as the Enchanted Islands, albeit perhaps for different reasons. It is also no surprise that in years past, these slow-paced grazers became easy targets for humans to hunt and gather as they passed though the region. I feel very fortunate to have been able to sit among these giants, and we should all be thankful for the efforts that have gone toward their conservation.

My next stop will be the headquarters of the Galápagos National Park, where work has been underway for over 50 years to protect these unique islands and the animals that call them home.

Rick Schwartz is a zookeeper and the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.

Watch video about some of the Zoo’s Galápagos tortoises.

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3

Galápagos Islands: The Real Thing

By
Rick Schwartz
– August 18, 2010Posted in: Events at the Zoo

Marine iguanas on the beach at Puerto Ayora.

Read previous post, Greetings from the Galápagos Islands.

During our descent into the Galápagos Islands, I started to get excited about all the things I was about to see and experience. I had spent so much time soaking up information in preparation for this trip, and now it was time to visit and explore the real thing!

Our flight arrived on a small island known as Baltra Island, one of the few islands not created by an actual volcano but formed by uplift. Uplift is the act of the sea floor lifting up above the surface due to pressures caused by molten rock below. This is actually a very good place for an airport, because it tends to be very flat compared to the islands created by volcanic eruptions.

Heading to the highlands from the dry north.

From the airport we took a small bus across Baltra Island. The bus dropped us off at a small docking area where we were met with beautiful turquoise blue waters and a couple of pelicans riding the wind currents along the edge of the island. We then boarded a small (people-only) ferry that took us on a seven-minute ride to Santa Cruz Island, one of the main islands of the Galápagos. Looking around, I was amazed at how far I could see. Across the ocean were small islands to the west, and looking south and east there was Santa Cruz Island, vast and obviously born from volcanic activity, the long slope up eventually disappearing into the clouds.

The cloud forest is surrounded by thick clouds and moss-covered trees.

Our next ride from the ferry landing to the small town of Puerto Ayora was in a taxi; however, it was not what we might think of as a taxi here in the U.S. All of the taxis on Santa Cruz Island are 4×4 trucks because not all of the roads are tar or cobblestone, and the rains can make dirt roads turn to mud. Heading south, we made our way up to the highlands, from the dry north to the south end of the island where it is wet, and we were suddenly in the cloud forest, surrounded by thick clouds and moss-covered trees. Reading about the many different ecosystems found on one island did not compare to actually experiencing it firsthand. (You can see by the two pictures I took how different it really is, and to think I took these two shots just minutes apart from each other.)

A lava gull calls out a greeting.

Of course, being there in person, I was ready to just head out and start exploring. I could not wait to see the amazing wildlife that I knew was out there; however, I would have to be patient, as strict rules are in place about how visitors can travel and explore the islands. Honestly this is for the best. As with any ecosystem, there are delicate balances that exist, and many could be horribly disrupted if visitors to these captivating islands went unchecked.

A Sally lightfoot crab rests on a lava rock.

Given the late time of day of our arrival, the only thing I really had the opportunity to do was walk around the town of Puerto Ayora and see what wildlife visits the shores of the town. One of the first animals I saw was a marine iguana soaking up the last bits of the afternoon sun. Not a moment later I was fortunate enough to have a lava gull land within a few meters of me and give out a nice call. This was particularly exceptional, because the lava gull is considered the rarest of all gulls, with an estimated 400 breeding pair in all of existence. Of course, the brightly colored Sally lightfoot crab was hard to miss. The low evening sun reflected brilliantly off these sea-going invertebrates, and there was no way to ignore their contrast against the dark lava rocks they were resting on.

Sure, I was anxious to get out and see the massive and majestic tortoises that the Galápagos Islands are famous for. But I have to be honest with you, this first evening of getting acquainted with some of the “locals” was quite a treat.

Rick Schwartz is a zookeeper and the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.

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8

Greetings from the Galápagos Islands

By
Rick Schwartz
– August 9, 2010Posted in: Animals and Plants, Birds, Projects in the Field

Galápagos tortoise

Imagine a place where four ocean currents come together from four different parts of the world. Those currents converge and collide among a collection of volcanic islands, some 600 miles away from any mainland. This would create a very unique place indeed, as the ocean currents bring with them nutrients and animals alike. The volcanic terrain would also offer up rich soil and exceptional terrain where you might find birds from around the world nesting and raising young, and unique reptiles found nowhere else.

Believe it or not, this place does exist and is known as the Galápagos Islands! I am fortunate enough to be headed to Santa Cruz Island, one of the many islands that make up the magnificent and truly amazing Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.


Over the next few days, I will be checking in via tweets on Twitter and blogs posted here to share with you what I am experiencing and learning. I am traveling with Shea Johnson, the San Diego Zoo’s videographer, and our goal is to get as much footage as possible of these wonderful islands and the amazing animals that call them home.

Our plan is to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center and talk with the staff there about the goals and challenges of conservation in this region. We hope to visit Diego, a Galápagos tortoise that once lived at the San Diego Zoo. And, of course, we want to learn more about Lonesome George, the last of his subspecies of Galápagos tortoise, that lives at the Center.

If time permits, we plan on heading out beyond the research area. We hope to take a boat to visit some of the more remote coves and then hike to the higher elevations to see more wildlife. It is clear to us that the Galápagos Islands offer much more to do and see than we could possibly fit into one week, but trust me when I say we have a VERY busy time ahead of us.

Rick Schwartz is a zookeeper and the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.

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3

National Zoo Keeper Week 2010

By
Rick Schwartz
– July 27, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Events at the Zoo

Keeper Leticia Plasencia with a young Wolf' guenon.

Did you know that the third week of July is recognized as National Zoo Keeper Week? Well, you probably did if you were at the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park(or just about any other zoo facility in the nation) this past week!

If you are a San Diego Zoo member, you may recall in the July 2010 ZOONOOZ there was an article about National Zoo Keeper Week. Here in San Diego, there were several things set up to celebrate the unique career of being a professional zoo keeper. A big event not at the Zoo or Park was being part of the opening ceremonies for a Padres home game on July 17—we even brought along some of our animal friends for the pre-game activities.

This past week we had zoo keepers on hand to answer questions and talk to our guests about what they do and why. I had the opportunity to bring animals out and about and talk to guests one on one about National Zoo Keeper Week. One of the main things I heard from our guests was, “I had no idea there was a National Zoo Keeper Week. Is it really a nationally recognized week?”

You bet it is!

In fact, it all started right here in San Diego with an idea that there was a need to bring national attention to what zoo keepers do. In 2006, then lead keeper and president of the local American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) board, Bob Cisneros started working toward making this idea a reality. By 2007, the 110th Congress officially passed House Resolution 509, “Supporting the goals and ideals of National Zoo Keeper Week”.

Though recognized by the House of Representatives, that first year’s celebration was primarily located here in San Diego. Now, just three short years later, there was news coverage from around the nation as zoos everywhere brought awareness to the dedication and unique work zoo keepers do every day.

If you missed out on this year’s fun, make sure to keep your eyes open for next year’s National Zoo Keeper Week, always the third week in July. Also keep in mind that the San Diego Zoo has countless keeper talks every day at both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Feel free to ask our keepers about their animals and what they do as zoo keepers. And, of course, feel free to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to animal care, education, and conservation.

Rick Schwartz is a zoo keeper and the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador. Read his previous post, Elephant Rush!

For those thinking about a career as a zoo keeper, see So You Want to Be a Keeper?

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31

Elephant Rush!

By
Rick Schwartz
– July 2, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Elephants, Events at the Zoo

Moya and her son, with Kami (left) and Litsemba

Most of the time when we think of the word “rush,” we don’t think of fun; instead, the word brings to mind being in a hurry (or in a panic!). “Elephant Rush” at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is quite different, yet there is one similarity. The big difference is how much fun you will have: you can’t help but smile. The similarity? The elephants are indeed in a hurry!

As you know, our keepers offer fun and interesting enrichment for the elephants every day. However, what you may not know is that now, every day right before 11 in the morning, the keepers finish placing all of the enrichment out into the elephant yard. Then at 11 a.m., the elephants hastily make their way out to play with and explore all of that great enrichment. This has become known as Elephant Rush, and, let me tell you: it is a sight to behold and one you MUST see!

Although we don’t get to enjoy playing like the elephants do, we can get a great view from multiple spots around the Wild Animal Park. As most of you know, the Park’s Elephant Overlook has a great vantage point, but did you know you can see the majority of the yard from the Elephant Viewing Patio just east of Tembo Stadium? There is even some remote viewing as you walk to Kilima Point.

Who has more fun with this daily activity? Well, as much as all of the humans seem to love watching this event, I can honestly say I think the elephants have the most fun. However, I am not sure if the adult elephants or the youngsters are enjoying it most: you’ll have to go see them and try to figure that one out on your own. Between the rolling, playing, exploring, and even swimming, it kind of makes me wish I was an elephant, too!

Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador. Read his previous post, Polar Bear Plunge: Re-Opened!

Watch the Wild Animal Park’s elephants daily on Elephant Cam.

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0

Polar Bear Plunge: Re-Opened!

By
Rick Schwartz
– March 29, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Events at the Zoo, Polar Bears

A young guest pops his head out of a seal breathing hole, one of seven new elements at Polar Bear Plunge.

Thanks to the generous support of Conrad Prebys, our new $1 million renovation of Polar Bear Plunge is fun, interactive, educational, and OPEN!

This past Friday, we kicked off opening day with media covering the fun and exciting VIP party. With about 200 special guests in attendance, I was asked to give a walking tour from the new storybook area all the way through the enhanced guest area to the awe-inspiring Experience Wall. It was no surprise that adults and kids alike were thrilled with the new additions to Polar Bear Plunge.

Guests watch one of our polar bears at the new Experience Wall.

At noon, the official ribbon cutting (actually an ice ribbon) was “cut” by Dr. Frederick A. Fry, San Diego Zoo board president, and celebrity guest Tori Spelling, who was there with her husband and two kids for the big day. Hundreds of guests were on hand and made their way in to see all of the changes and updates that were done.

Keep in mind, Polar Bear Plunge was originally built in 1996 with the goal to be one of the best zoo polar bear habitats, and, of course, that goal was met. To this day it remains one of the best opportunities for people to see how bears live in the summer tundra of the North. One thing that was not a concern when it was built in 1996 was discussing the habitat loss that polar bears experience, because there wasn’t really anything significant back in 1996.

However, since that time there have been many changes to the polar bear’s habitat in the wild. Our researchers and conservation partners who study these wonderful animals have been recording dramatic changes over the years. As a conservation organization we believe it is our responsibility to educate our guests and connect them to wildlife and conservation. Today, Polar Bear Plunge is now one of the best polar bear experiences for our animals and guests alike!

As you can see from our new Polar Bear Plunge Web site, there are now many new elements to explore and enjoy. From here you can make a pledge to help the polar bears and post that pledge on your Facebook page, learn “heaps of cool stuff,” and play some interactive games to keep you inspired to follow through with your pledge. Keep in mind that while you’re on the Polar Bear Plunge Web site you can visit the popular Polar Bear Cam that many people enjoy around the world.

Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador. Read his previous post, Touring Fun in Phoenix.

Here’s video of the grand re-opening!

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0

Touring Fun in Phoenix

By
Rick Schwartz
– February 26, 2010Posted in: Animal Stories, Events at the Zoo

Keeper Amy Alfrey, Rick, and friends are ready for their close-up!

Friday’s workday started off early for us as we headed out to do six interviews at three different TV stations.

Our first two interviews at Phoenix’s CBS station KPHO were early, but went very well. The morning crew there was a lot of fun and very interested in our animal ambassadors. One of the anchors was a little less than thrilled that we had a snake with us, but he warmed up to Tex (our milksnake) eventually. We did our two interviews with them and then it was off to the next studio.

At KNXV, local ABC-TV, we met a wonderful morning news team that was thrilled to have us in their studio. Dassie, our rock hyrax, had a great time exploring the studio between interviews. He is such a character, inspecting the set and the cameras as if he was the floor manager there at the studio!

We rounded out our morning with two interviews at KTVK’s “Good Morning Arizona” show. Honestly, I am not sure which of the interviews was better. The first interview included the milksnake, and that got a really good response from the anchor, who did well but did seem a little uneasy with a snake in her studio. The second interview was great, too. That one included Dassie, our rock hyrax, and Sooky, our koala. You can imagine all the ooooos and awws that filled the studio when these two came out to meet everyone!

Once we wrapped up our television interviews, we were off to do a Web-video interview at a local radio station. It was a taped interview that will be posted later next week. Then we were back on the road to Chandler, Arizona (right outside of Phoenix), to do a two-hour presentation for the public. We were fortunate enough to have AAA host us at their office there. It was a great time with all the kids and adults that showed up to see our animal ambassadors.

We are finishing our day with one last presentation at the Squaw Peak Terrace at the Biltmore in Phoenix. It has been such an amazing and busy day, and so much fun! The people of Phoenix have been so welcoming and so wonderful; it has made this crazy busy day go by quickly and easily.

Tomorrow, after breakfast, we will repack, load ourselves up in our vans, and head back to the San Diego Zoo.

Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.

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On the Road Again

By
Rick Schwartz
– February 26, 2010Posted in: Events at the Zoo

Rick and furry friend take in the scenery during a rest stop.

A few of my closest friends and I are headed off to Phoenix this week to tell everyone out there what’s going on at the San Diego Zoo.

Of course, you probably know by now that when I say “a few of my closest friends” I mean the ones with fur, feathers, and scales! That’s not to say that I am not good friends with the rest of the team, too. Keepers and other staff members travel with us to make sure all the critters have the best care on the road, just like they would at home.

Similar to our big trip to New York a few weeks ago (read post Meeting with Media in Manhattan), we have several media appointments planned while we are in Phoenix. However, unlike the New York trip, we will be spending time doing a public presentation as well. You may remember last year we did several of these presentations during our statue tour for Elephant Odyssey, and Phoenix was one of our stops (see post Statue Tour: Swinging through the Southwest).

This year we are scheduled to visit a few television stations and do some radio, too. If you live in or around Phoenix and want to see us, you can tune in Friday morning to KPHO (CBS). We should be on in the 5 o’clock hour. Then we head over to KNXV (ABC) and should be on the air in the 6 o’clock hour. After that, we will be visiting with the team at “Good Morning Arizona” and will be on air with them during the last half of the 9 o’clock hour. Keep in mind that this is all Friday morning!

Sure, TV is great, but if you want to come down and meet our critters in person, YOU CAN! We will be stopping at the Chandler, Arizona, AAA office for some meet-and-greet time between noon and 2 p.m. on Friday, February 26. The Chandler AAA Office is located at 4040 West Ray Road, Suite 2.

Hope to see you there!

Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador

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