Zoo Story Page 30
122 testing every aspect of their new lives: Author interviews with Brian French and Steve Lefave.
123 crash on the cot in the hall: Author interviews with Brian French.
123 didn’t act like circus elephants: This account of the elephants’ behaviors and personalities is based on the author’s interviews with Brian French and Steve Lefave.
124 anatomy of an elephant’s face: Interpretation of elephant expressions provided by Murray E. Fowler and R. Eric Miller, Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, p. 44.
126 ominously named Elephant Restraint Device: Author witnessed the keepers using the ERD to draw blood and exfoliate the elephants’ skin.
127 rehearsed, so she wouldn’t be startled: Author interviews with Brian French.
128 English, German, French, and Hindi: Ibid.
128 “She was my elephant.”: Ibid.
128 the sacred and the scientific: The artificial insemination scene is reconstructed from the author’s interviews with Brian French and Steve Lefave, and a phone interview and e-mail exchange with Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt, as well as numerous papers and articles explaining elephant AI, including “Successful Artificial Insemination of an Asian Elephant at the National Zoological Park,” published in Zoo Biology, volume 23, pp. 45–63.
129 a technique originally developed to allow paraplegic men: Vicki Croke, The Modern Ark, p. 167.
129 just another day in a remarkable career: Gretchen Vogel, “A Fertile Mind on Wildlife Conservation’s Front Lines,” Science, November 9, 2001, pp. 1271–1272.
129 “He’ll ultrasound just about anything”: Ibid.
130 mechanics of elephant reproduction: Author interview with Thomas Hildebrandt, also “Aspects of the Reproductive Biology and Breeding Management of Asian and African Elephants,” an article written by Hildebrandt, Göritz, and others for International Zoo Yearbook, 2006.
131 “It’s for the best for Ellie”: Author’s phone interview with Hildebrandt.
9 MATING
132 In the darkness beyond the edge of the sky: The opening section describing the satellite tracking the manatee is based on author interviews with Monica Ross and on information from NOAA and from CLS America, the company that tracks the manatees using NOAA’s satellites.
133 attempting to capture him one last time.: The author accompanied Monica Ross, Virginia Edmonds, David Murphy, and other manatee researchers as they searched for Stormy on the St. Johns River.
135 newborn male, still connected by the umbilical: Author interviews with Kevin McKay and Lee Ann Rottman.
136 trying to mark the entire zoo: Author interviews with McKay, Rottman, and Andrea Schuch.
136 first meeting did not go well: Author interviews with Carie Peterson and Pam Noel.
136 joined forces to clean the moat: Author witnessed this scene after climbing into the lemur moat with the keepers.
138 They had to make it fun: This section describing the lives of the keepers is based on the author’s interviews with many members of Lowry Park’s staff.
138 bustled through their morning workload: The author was following Carie Peterson on her rounds that day.
139 “He wants her so bad”: The author witnessed the tiger mating ritual while sitting beside Peterson under the boardwalk.
10 THE HUMAN EXHIBIT
143 Another sexual request from Herman: Details of the chimp’s sexual habits and of the keeper reactions were based on author interviews with Andrea Schuch, Angela Belcher, and Lee Ann Rottman.
143 “It makes me crazy”: The author witnessed this exchange between the female keepers.
144 Rukiya was easily the most intelligent: This description of the female chimp’s behavior and personality is based on the author’s interviews with Lee Ann Rottman.
145 deception and counter-deception: Anne E. Russon, “Exploiting the Expertise of Others,” a chapter in Machiavellian Intelligence II, edited by Andrew Whiten and Richard W. Byrne, pp. 193–194.
146 the chimp would listen: Author interview with Lee Ann Rottman.
146 who was really in charge: The author witnessed this moment between Herman and Lex Salisbury.
146 he could identify every bird and every gecko: This scene is based on a tour Salisbury gave to the author.
147 how to woo mayors and governors.: This section describing Salisbury’s history and management style is based on the author’s observations of the CEO during years of reporting, plus several of the author’s interviews with Salisbury, as well as with many people who worked for him over the years.
148 complaints were almost always whispered: Author interviews with multiple members of Lowry Park staff, past and present.
149 “a benevolent dictatorship”: Author interview with Salisbury.
149 Diamonds sparkled inside augmented cleavage: The author attended Karamu and witnessed these scenes firsthand, including the late-night visit to the elephant building.
150 “just kick me in the balls”: Overheard at the table where the author was seated.
153 surveyed his creation: The author followed Brian Morrow through the construction site that day, interviewing him as they walked.
155 a deep crimson form stirring: This section is based on the author’s firsthand reporting and on interviews with Kelly Ryder and other members of the aviary staff.
156 the magazine saluted: Maureen P. Sangiorio, “The 10 Best Zoos for Kids,” Child, June–July 2004, pp. 112–122.
156 The lucky guest: Author witnessed this scene.
156 “Because God made us”: Andrea Schuch recounted this moment to the author.
157 final days before the debut: Author witnessed these scenes, as well as the unveiling ceremony with the mayor and then the grand opening of Safari Africa.
11 CITY AND FOREST
159 news of Ellie’s pregnancy: Author interviews with Brian French and Steve Lefave.
160 a hybrid of The Odyssey and Wild Kingdom: Author interviews with Jeff Ewelt, Melinda Mendolusky, and Heather Mackin.
161 an unexpected obstacle: The author reported firsthand on these experiences inside the basement at Rockefeller Center and outside and inside the studio of Late Night With Conan O’Brien.
164 a lethal fungus known as chytrid: Author interviews with Kevin Zippel and Dustin Smith, also information from Project Golden Frog’s Web site, http://www.ranadorada.org/.
164 they had to decide: Author interview with Kevin Zippel.
164 their first two weeks in the forest: Author interviews with Kevin Zippel, Dustin Smith, and other members of the research team.
165 the Thousand-Frog Stream: The author joined the research team in Panama and accompanied them on this journey into the gorge by the water’s edge.
166 Jeff and Melinda saw it: Author interviews with Jeff Ewelt and Melinda Mendolusky.
166 Dustin had to devote almost three weeks: Author interviews with Dustin Smith and Lee Ann Rottman.
166 Lowry Park’s conservation fund had donated: Figure supplied by the zoo.
167 He and Brian French were disagreeing: Author interviews with Lex Salisbury and Brian French.
168 Lex’s big push: Interviews with multiple members of Lowry Park’s staff, past and present.
168 One of the doubters was Carie Peterson: Author interviews and e-mail exchanges with Peterson.
168 Lamaze class was under way: Author interviews with Brian French, Steve Lefave, and Heather Mackin.
169 a newborn calf ran forward: The scene describing the discovery of the baby elephant’s birth is reconstructed from the author’s interviews with Brian French, Steve Lefave, and Lee Ann Rottman.
12 UNDERTOW
172 In those first days after the virgin birth: Based on the zoo’s media releases and on press conference statements made by David Murphy and Lex Salisbury.
172 the marketing team knew how to capitalize: “Ellie’s Big Bundle of Joy,” by Alexandra Zayas, St. Petersburg Times, November 11, 2005.
173 the clear winner, suggested by a se
cond-grade class: “Elephant Calf Christened at Lowry Park,” by Alexandra Zayas, St. Petersburg Times, December 22, 2005.
173 Ellie, now reigning as the unquestioned matriarch: Author interviews with Brian French and Steve Lefave.
173 unmistakable signs of an undertow: Based on the author’s interviews with multiple members of the staff, past and present, as well as the author’s observations while reporting at the zoo in that period.
174 Brian, always camera shy: Author interviews with Brian French.
174 the zoo was letting him go: Author interviews with Brian French and Lee Ann Rottman.
174 “It’s a personnel matter”: Author interview with Rachel Nelson.
174 Brian and Lex confirmed: Author interviews with Brian French and Lex Salisbury.
175 “You could get fired at any time for any reason”: Author email exchange with a former keeper.
175 Carie Peterson debated: Author interviews with Carie Peterson.
175 The two Sumatran tigers: Author interviews with Carie Peterson and Pam Noel.
175 Dr. Murphy was preparing: Based on statements Dr. Murphy made at a press conference on August 23, 2006.
176 “That’s my son”: Author witnessed this scene.
176 he had never forgotten Herman: Author observations and interviews with Ed Schultz.
177 The young female’s name was Sasha: Details on the baby chimp’s gradual introductions are based on author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman and Angela Belcher.
177 she would immediately raise her arms: Sasha did this for the author, who held her.
178 Herman and Bamboo had tangled: Author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman.
178 Lee Ann noticed something odd: Ibid.
178 The chimps were fighting: This section is based on author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman, David Murphy, and Jeff Kremer.
180 He looked at peace: Scene based on author interviews with Ed Schultz and Lee Ann Rottman.
13 FREEDOM
181 Noting Herman’s prominence: Rebecca Catalanello, “Fight Kills Lowry Park Chimp,” St. Petersburg Times, June 9, 2006.
181 primate males are often viewed as inherently violent: The author was present at a meeting of St. Petersburg Times editors the day after Herman’s death and watched as one editor made this assumption explicit, theorizing that Rukiya had “tried to help” and stop the fight because females are more nurturing.
182 “Everybody considered them buddies”: Author interview with David Murphy.
182 rumors circulated, both inside and outside the zoo: Based on author interviews at Lowry Park and on theories raised in Rebecca Catalanello’s article “Bringing Up Babies, Bringing in Dollars,” St. Petersburg Times, July 9, 2006.
183 some wondered out loud if Bamboo should be punished: The author heard this issue debated several times, including during a conversation at a meeting of St. Petersburg Times editors the day after Herman’s death.
183 He refused to look at them: Author interviews with Ed Schultz.
184 Bamboo was suffering as well: Author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman.
184 a quest to identify the caller: Author interviews with Carie Peterson, Brian Czarnik, and Jeff Kremer. The campaign to track down the tipster was confirmed and defended in author interviews with Lex Salisbury and Rachel Nelson.
184 Carie finally quit: Author interviews with Carie Peterson.
185 fired only a few days: Author interviews with Brain Czarnik and Carie Peterson. The firing was confirmed by author interviews with Lex Salisbury, Lee Ann Rottman, and Rachel Nelson. Salisbury also discussed the firing in a press conference on August 24, 2006.
185 the zoo hired a new keeper: Statements made by Lex Salisbury and Lee Ann Rottman at the press conference in August 2006.
185 the new keeper found himself alone with the tigers: The description of Enshalla’s escape and shooting is based on author interviews with Lex Salisbury, Lee Ann Rottman, Virginia Edmonds, and Pam Noel, as well as a written statement Chris Lennon made for investigators, as well as statements made by Salisbury, Rottman, and David Murphy at the press conference the next day.
14 CONSPIRACY THEORY
189 “What’s wrong?” Carie asked: Author interviews with Carie Peterson.
189 a good draw at the front gate: Author witnessed the ticket line the day after Enshalla’s shooting.
190 Chris was so devastated: Author interviews with Lex Salisbury and Lee Ann Rottman, as well as statements made at the 8/24/06 press conference by Lt. Steve De Lacure, a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspector.
190 Lex had no choice: Author interviews with multiple staff members, past and present.
191 the zoo had been stretched: Author interviews with Brian Czarnik.
191 Lex was asked about Czarnik’s firing: Salisbury statements made at the 8/24/06 press conference.
191 “We don’t call them unless we need them”: Ibid.
192 Lee Ann was stunned: Author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman.
192 Lex guided two reporters to the boardwalk: The author was one of those reporters.
193 talk of a statue: Author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman and Rachel Nelson.
193 The surviving chimps . . . had not fully recovered: This section, including the theory on what could have motivated Rukiya to instigate a coup, is based on the author’s interviews with Lee Ann Rottman.
195 former staff members stepped forward: Author interviews with Jeff and Coleen Kremer; also, their Web site, TampasZooAdvocates.com.
196 The zoo fired back: These rebuttals are based on the author’s interviews with Lex Salisbury, Lee Ann Rottman, and Greg Stoppelmoor.
197 he gave a triumphant speech: The author reported the speech firsthand.
15 WINNING
198 The critics pounded away: Author interviews with Jeff and Coleen Kremer; also, their Web site.
199 something had gone deeply wrong: Author interviews and e-mails with Carie Peterson.
199 Lex had learned not to worry: Author interviews with Lex Salisbury.
199 filling Lowry Park with more species: Author interview with Larry Killmar.
200 Detroit officials questioned the practice: The quote was excerpted from a discussion on the Detroit Zoo’s Web site, http://www.detroitzoo.org/News%10Events/In_the_News/Elephants_Questions_and_Answers/, but it has since apparently been removed from the site.
200 warmer temperatures of Florida were well suited: This update on the elephants’ progress and on Sdudla’s transfer to the Montgomery Zoo is based on the author’s interviews with Steve Lefave, Lee Ann Rottman, Brian French, Lex Salisbury, and Rachel Nelson.
200 “among the best in the country”: Author interview with Steve Feldman.
200 stemming the tide of extinction: Author interviews with Dan Costell.
201 situation with the tigers: The update on Eric and the white tigers is based on author interviews with Lee Ann Rottman and Rachel Nelson.
201 no conservation value to them: The case against exhibiting white tigers has been made in many interviews and articles. The most damning criticisms have come from Ronald Tilson, director of conservation at the Minnesota Zoo and one of the world’s acknowledged experts on various tiger subspecies.
201 Lex did not agree: Author interview with Lex Salisbury.
202 his will never seemed to waver: This section is based on the author’s observations and interviews with Salisbury over several years, as well as multiple interviews he has given to other journalists.
202 posed for the cover: Bob Andelman, “A Wild Thing: How Lowry Park Zoo Scratched Its Way from Worst to First,” Maddux Business Report, October 2008.
203 Lex invited a St. Petersburg Times reporter: The author was the journalist who toured Safari Wild that day in December 2007 with Salisbury and his wife and Larry Killmar.
206 memorandum of understanding: The memo was first publicly reported by the author in “Zoo Story,” St. Petersburg Times, December 16, 2007. Over the following year, the memo
was dissected at length in further coverage of the zoo and of Safari Wild in the St. Petersburg Times and the Tampa Tribune, as well as in multiple reports from several media outlets.
16 NOT WINNING
209 The real trouble began: The account of the monkeys’ escape and miscellaneous adventures is based on numerous news articles published in the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Tribune, and the Lakeland Ledger. It would require pages, literally, to list them all. In addition, Lex Salisbury and Elena Sheppa discussed the escape in an interview with the author in February 2010.
209 people had warned him the species could swim: Author interview with Salisbury.
210 patas monkeys appear somewhat comical: Tom Lake, “Fastest Monkeys on Earth Won’t Be Easy to Capture,” St. Petersburg Times, April 24, 2008.
210 sometimes called dancing monkeys: Herb Clement, Zoo Man, p. 144.
210 the males typically weigh: patas monkey fact sheet available online from the University of Wisconsin’s Primate Info Net, http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/patas_monkey.
210 they rely on evasive tactics: Kelley Benham and Don Morris, “Escape from Monkey Island,” St. Petersburg Times, February 1, 2009.
210 None of this deterred Lex: Benham and Morris, “Escape from Monkey Island.”
211 “I have monkeys in my yard”: Erin Sullivan, “Seeing Monkeys? You’re Not Bananas,” St. Petersburg Times, August 30, 2008.
211 They snuck onto a ranch: Baird Helgeson, “Escaped Monkeys Make Mischief on Ranch,” Tampa Tribune, October 25, 2008.
212 Revelations tumbled forth with dizzying speed: This section summarizing the exposés into Lex Salisbury’s business affairs is based on numerous news reports, but the lion’s share of the investigative work was pieced together by Alexandra Zayas of the St. Petersburg Times, Baird Helgeson of the Tampa Tribune, and Steve Andrews of News Channel 8.
213 “I should have had better political instincts”: Alexandra Zayas, “Iorio Says Zoo Didn’t Keep City Informed,” St. Petersburg Times, September 16, 2008.
213 board had reviewed the memo: These details on the controversy are based on the city of Tampa’s audit of the zoo, released to the public in its final form in March 2009. The document is available online at http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Internal_Audit/files/09/0901.pdf. In addition, the audit’s contents were reported and discussed extensively in numerous news articles in the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Tribune, and other media outlets.