The birth of a Crowned lemur at the Brandywine Zoo is welcome news for this globally endangered species. DNREC/Linnea Hummel photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Brandywine Zoo are excited to announce its newest addition, a baby Crowned lemur, which recently was welcomed into the zoo. The lemur baby was born to Sophie and Kipp, Crowned lemurs that came to and were paired at the Brandywine Zoo in October 2020 as part of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the second SSP birth from a breeding pair at the zoo this summer – a Southern pudu fawn was welcomed in July.

The lemur baby born at the Brandywine Zoo is a significant contribution to the Crowned lemur population in North America. This birth brings the total number of Crowned lemurs in AZA institutions nationally to 35, which includes the Brandywine Zoo’s recent arrival as the only crowned lemur baby born this year. SSPs are conservation breeding programs where vulnerable species in human care are optimally matched for genetic diversity to increase the population. Kipp was born at the Duke Lemur Center in 2016, while Sophie was born at Zoo Atlanta in 2018.

Crowned lemurs are an endangered species and their population is in decline. They are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss caused by other land use conversion, such as charcoal production and mining for sapphires and gold; the illegal pet trade; and hunting for bushmeat.

The Brandywine Zoo is one of only 12 locations in North America where Crowned lemurs can be viewed by the public. Sophie and Kipp joined two other species of lemurs – the Black and White Ruffed and Ring-Tailed lemurs – and Radiated tortoises when the zoo’s Madagascar exhibit opened in 2020. That new exhibit is part of the Brandywine Zoo’s master plan, which focuses on improved animal welfare and guest experiences, species of conservation concern and the inclusion of more mixed species exhibits. In addition to the Madagascar habitat, the master plan includes the already-completed condor viewing area, honeybee display and play area, goat barnyard experience and Animal Care Center.

Sophie and her baby are not yet on exhibit at the zoo and won’t be for some time – probably into the fall. Staff are closely monitoring Sophie and her as yet unnamed infant and will be able to identify the newborn’s sex and weight once the infant is old enough to venture away from its mother.

A name for the baby lemur will be chosen soon. Check the Delaware State Parks and Brandywine Zoo Facebook pages for updates as the baby progresses.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation with support by its non-profit partner, the Delaware Zoological Society (DZS). DZS supports the mission of the Brandywine Zoo and is raising funds for more upgrades to the zoo that include updated animal habitats, infrastructure, and guest services. For  more information about or to donate to the Our Zoo-Re-imagined Capital Campaign, visit https://brandywinezoo.org/reimagined/ or email Mark Shafer, Delaware Zoological Society executive director, MShafer@brandywinezoo.org

 About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

 Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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 Clover, a southern pudu brought to the Brandywine Zoo as part of an AZA Species Survival Plan, recently gave birth to a male baby pudu.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Brandywine Zoo are thrilled to announce Clover, a southern pudu at the zoo, welcomed a male baby the night of July 12. The new fawn is a significant contribution to the North American pudu population. Both Clover and her baby are doing well.

Clover, who has been at the zoo since April 2021, was joined by Ande, a 1-year-old male southern pudu, at the end of November from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash. Their pairing is part of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), a conservation breeding program where vulnerable species in human care are optimally matched for genetic diversity to increase the population.

A name for the baby, who weighed in at 20 ounces – or four times the size of a hamster, will be chosen soon. Check the Delaware State Parks and Brandywine Zoo Facebook pages for updates as the baby progresses.

While they do have access to their exterior habitat at the zoo, Clover and her fawn are mainly keeping to their holding area for now, especially during hot summer temperatures. If they are seen in their exterior habitat, the public is asked to keep their voices down at this time.

Southern pudu are the second smallest deer in the world at 14 to 17 inches at shoulder height. There are fewer than 10,000 southern pudu left in the wild in Argentina and Chile. This pudu species is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

While not currently endangered, the population in the wild is declining. Pudu face threats , including habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, feral dogs and poaching for the pet trade. AZA zoos, including the Brandywine Zoo, are working to maintain a long-term, genetically valuable population of southern pudu through their SSP program. There are only 45 pudu at 15 institutions in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. Nine of these animals, including eight males are located at a facility in Argentina, so a new male in the U.S. population is a very welcome addition.

The Brandywine Zoo’s pudu were acquired as part of the zoo’s master plan, which was completed in 2018 and reestablishes the zoo’s commitment as an active contributor to the AZA’s conservation breeding programs.

Several other new additions have recently arrived at the Brandywine Zoo as SSP recommended moves and are visible to guests. These include a female Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, acquired in May. She is currently housed in the South American exhibit with the capybara, ducks and ibis. Hoffman’s sloth are currently listed as “least concern,” but their numbers in the wild are decreasing. Two yearling binturongs, which are also called southeast Asian bearcats, were acquired in June from a zoo in Michigan. These are tree dwelling animals and one of only two carnivores with a prehensile tail. Binturongs are listed as “vulnerable” and their populations in the wild are also declining.

The Brandywine Zoo, managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is one of 238 accredited zoos and aquariums worldwide that meet the highest standard in animal care and welfare, and provide fun, safe and educational experiences.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov

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 The Brandywine Zoo was recently re-accredited after a rigorous review process by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Recent upgrades by DNREC, staff efforts and the support of the Delaware Zoological Society (DZS) were contributing factors in this significant feat. Pictured, from left to right, are the Brandywine Zoo’s curator of conservation education Lauren Barczak, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens, Brandywine Zoo Director Brint Spencer and DZS Executive Director Mark Shafer.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is proud to announce the re-accreditation of the Brandywine Zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Commission after a detailed review process that analyzed all aspects of the facility’s operation. The accreditation was awarded at the 2022 Conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums held in Baltimore.

AZA accreditation assures the Brandywine Zoo meets or exceeds professional standards and is a continued mark of excellence for the zoo, which has been AZA-accredited zoo since 1986. Delaware’s only AZA-accredited zoo is a member among 237 other accredited facilities and 15 certified related facilities throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries.

The Brandywine Zoo must undergo rigorous inspections, examinations and reporting every five years to maintain accreditation as a condition of AZA membership. The review process includes animal welfare and well-being; veterinary care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services.

“We are proud of our Brandywine Zoo, a gem in the heart of Wilmington, and all it offers to the local community and those who travel to see the exotic and endangered animals. Recent upgrades we have made at the zoo and our upcoming plans have only increased its caliber and this accreditation is well deserved,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “I commend our staff and the Delaware Zoological Society for their work to ensure Brandywine Zoo remains a top-notch facility to connect people with and care for its rare animals.”

This accreditation also increases eligibility for funding and grants from certain foundations, corporations and other sources; permits participation in Animal Exchange – access to specimens from other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums for loan and/or breeding; and allows the Brandywine Zoo to participate in the AZA’s flagship Animal Conservation Program, the Species Survival Plan.

The Brandywine Zoo has changed since its last accreditation review six years ago. In 2018, DNREC unveiled the 117-year-old zoo’s Master Plan, which includes a number of upgrades with a focus on animal welfare, overall guest experience, the zoo’s mission as a conservation institution, building positive momentum and meeting or exceeding AZA standards. Phases I and II of the Master Plan are complete and include:

• An Animal Care Center that further strengthens care of animals at the zoo and provides ongoing veterinary care
• New animal habitats to house black and white ruffed, ring-tailed and crowned lemurs, all endangered species endemic to the Island of Madagascar; southern pudu, the second smallest deer; friendly goats such as the Nigerian dwarf, African pygmy and angora; and an Andean condor viewing area that provides close-up encounters with one of the world’s largest flying birds
• An improved Honey Bee Display with interactive and attractive play elements, graphics and oversized metal flowers
• Increased ADA accessibility and a variety of other behind-the-scenes and public-area facility updates

Phase III includes a dramatic new entryway that will include new ticketing and security areas along with a new multi-species exhibit to include head-turning Chilean Flamingos. For other elements of the Brandywine Zoo’s Master Plan or to contribute to the DZS “Our Zoo Re-imagined” capital fundraising campaign, go to https://brandywinezoo.org/reimagined.

AZA has been the primary accrediting body for zoos and aquariums for more than 40 years. U.S. agencies such as OSHA and the USDA consider AZA standards as the “national” standard, and refer to AZA standards when evaluating institutions.

“The public expectations for animal care are constantly increasing, as are our own, which is why AZA’s accreditation standards are focused on providing the best animal care possible,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “Our rigorous accreditation standards evolve based on modern animal research, ensuring a process the public can trust. We applaud and admire these exceptional zoos, aquariums and related facilities on meeting the ‘gold standard’ for a modern zoological facility.”

The Brandywine Zoo features animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, Asia and Africa and provides numerous learning experiences, conservation projects, community outreach programs and special events for all ages throughout the year. The zoo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Christmas.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation with support by its non-profit partner, the Delaware Zoological Society.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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A kestrel chick after receiving its identifying USGS leg-band attached by DNREC raptor, grassland and forest bird biologist Jordan Brown. DNREC photo.

Avian Biologists Gather Data on Species’ Decline Through Nest Box Placement and Banding Program

When an American kestrel nest box at Mt. Cuba Center was recently surveyed for signs of nesting success, the tiny leg bands placed on five healthy chicks by avian biologist Jordan Brown attested that a mating pair of kestrels had indeed succeeded in helping repopulate a species in precipitous decline. This decline has been seen not just in Delaware but across the United States and Canada, most notably in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions that have experienced up to a 93% population decline since the 1960s. That verification was another milepost moment for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, which leads the Delaware Kestrel Partnership. It is working to save the American kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, which was listed as a state endangered species by Delaware in 2013.

DNREC’s response to this fierce little raptor’s plight was swift. Beginning in 2014, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and Brandywine Zoo, with assistance from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, began installing nest boxes on both private and public lands across the state. The Delaware Kestrel Partnership, a group of conservation agencies and organizations, was formed two years later as a collaborative effort to better understand why kestrels have declined, with the partnership now led by the Division of Fish and Wildlife with assistance from the Brandywine Zoo.

The partnership’s focus continues to be on helping the kestrel rebound from its decline in Delaware, said Brown, who is DNREC’s Wildlife Section raptor, grassland and forest bird biologist, during her team’s recent survey at Mt. Cuba, available at the @DelawareDNREC YouTube Channel.

Active nest boxes are visited by Division of Fish and Wildlife and Brandywine Zoo staff, where kestrel adults and chicks are weighed, measured, and banded with unique numbered leg bands as well as field-readable color bands to identify individual birds. Blood samples from kestrels are collected by trained staff with veterinarian oversight and sent to collaborators with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pa., to be tested for contaminants and other possible contributors to the kestrel’s decline.

All these efforts gather data that will help DNREC understand where kestrels nest, how far they disperse or migrate, how successful they are at reproducing in Delaware, and how their habitat may be impacting their population levels. Research carried out through the nest box monitoring program will help inform the long-term conservation of the American kestrel and – of equally critical importance, particularly in a smaller state such as Delaware – will guide future habitat management for this strikingly beautiful falcon.

When Brown, the DNREC avian biologist, spoke to Mt. Cuba Center staff and other guests during the chick banding effort, she expanded on the Delaware Kestrel Partnership’s current efforts, how the program has evolved over the years, and the ways her team’s data collection helps conserve this species and achieve the goals of the project, along with demonstrating the banding of chicks and processing of nesting kestrels. She also cited Mt. Cuba as an invaluable partner on the Delaware Kestrel Project – the center has protected over 13,000 acres of natural lands, and currently hosts seven kestrel boxes on their properties, which support at least two active nesting pairs each year.

The next day Brown seized upon another kestrel conservation outreach opportunity at Winterthur Museums and Gardens, which like Mt. Cuba is among the Delaware Kestrel Partnership’s largest landowners that also includes DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, Delaware Nature Society and Delaware Wild Lands. Implicit in her outreach presentation was that the American kestrel can never have too much habitat in Delaware, and while the larger landowners are prominent in providing that habitat, many nest boxes are located on smaller, private lands that can be equally important to the success of the state endangered species conservation program to restore the American kestrel population in Delaware.

The Delaware Kestrel Partnership is planning to add to existing nest box locations in Kent and Sussex counties to obtain a better picture of the statewide status of the American kestrel. Landowners with open spaces such as meadows, grasslands, livestock paddocks or agricultural fields are encouraged to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 if interested in hosting a nest box on their property.

A total of 71 kestrel nest boxes from all three counties were monitored in the 2022 nesting season, made possible through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. For more information about the Delaware Kestrel Partnership, including how to volunteer for the program, visit de.gov/kestrels. For more information about private landowners, conservation groups and nonprofit organizations becoming part of the Delaware Kestrel Partnership, contact DNREC’s Avian Conservation Program at 302-735-8658.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is deeply saddened to announce the Brandywine Zoo’s southern pudu, Haechan, died on June 25, 2022. He was three years old.

The cause of death is unknown at this time. Brandywine Zoo officials report that Haechan was lethargic the morning before his passing and coughing sporadically. Prior to this day, there had been no outward symptoms of illness or distress. The animal care team observed him closely and reported the small deer seemed to be more lethargic as the day went on, so he was moved from the pudu habitat to the Animal Care Center on the zoo grounds. On the morning of Saturday, June 25, his condition had declined further, and he was transferred to a veterinary clinic nearby in Pennsylvania, where he passed away.

“The onset and progression of symptoms was very rapid,” said Brint Spencer, director of the Brandywine Zoo, “and, at this time, we do not have a cause of death and won’t until after the necropsy.

The Brandywine Zoo, operated by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, is working with the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, who will perform a necropsy, or the animal equivalent of an autopsy.

Haechan’s female companion, Clover, with whom he shared the pudu habitat, has no symptoms of illness. She is under careful observation.

The animal care staff, volunteers and guests at the Brandywine Zoo are heartbroken and stunned by Haechan’s unexpected passing. “Everyone is grieving here,” said Spencer. “It’s so sad, especially when the two pudu had bonded and seemed content.”

Haechan was born at the Los Angeles Zoo in December 2018. He was named by fans of the Korean pop music group NCT-127 for his resemblance to a singer in the group. The fan-driven Facebook fundraiser was successful in officially sponsoring the fawn and naming him Haechan. He arrived at the Brandywine Zoo in December 2021, sent there to meet his potential mate, Clover, under the guidance of the Species Survival Plan Program (SSP), where vulnerable species in human care are optimally matched for genetic diversity to increase the population. The SSP is coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This pudu subspecies is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Southern pudu are the second smallest deer in the world at 14 to 17 inches at shoulder height. There are fewer than 10,000 southern pudu left in the wild in Argentina and Chile, and these numbers are rapidly decreasing because of habitat destruction, being hunted for food by humans, and killed by loose dogs. There are about 200 pudu in zoos around the world.

The Brandywine Zoo, managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is one of 240 accredited zoos and aquariums worldwide that meet the highest standard in animal care and welfare, and provide fun, safe, and educational experiences.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov