The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2027 #2 10-14-26
VOLUME 2027 OCTOBER 14 NUMBER 2
President Steve Boeckman welcomed everyone, then gave the reflection, followed by the flag salute.
Dues are Due: $150.00 for regular memberships and $105.00 for life memberships.
Greg McCune introduced our speaker, Dr. Kaleigh Reyes, Director of the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Dr. Reyes shared an update on the development and expansion of the zoo. She noted it was a joy to take over for Scott Shoemaker who served as Director for nearly 30 years.
They plan changes at the zoo through a long-term master plan which is broken up into phases. Phase 1 was Expedition Asia which is already completed and is open to the public to experience. They are already planning to start Phase 2, The Americas section, which is in progress.
They have added a pavilion where events can be hosted, including weddings. The zoo also has new exhibits with two kinds of leopards. Some of the existing historic limestone was reused for the new structure. These improvements were made through generous donations. The Zoo Trust has constructed developments that support operational functions like training with guest visibility improving guest engagement. Also, structural improvements were made through thoughtful building design which supports breeding and conservation of endangered species. In addition, it has improved animal training, guest engagement, and media interaction. Panels move to display the animals close up and can be closed when it is better for the animals to have privacy and not be stressed by observers. Another design feature is an elevated tunnel which allows animals to be securely moved from one area to another with very little stress to the animal or the staff.
The building design also supports breeding and conservation efforts. In the wild, Malayan tigers are endangered, with only 150 or less in the world due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts at the zoo have paired a male, Father Jaya that was recommended by the SSP (Species Survival Plan) to breed with Mother Indrah. Only 56 Malayan tigers are in captivity, and Manhattan's Sunset Zoo has three: Mother is Indrah, daughter is Saba, and son is Ayaz. The new facility supports the animals through all life cycle phases: Motherhood, babies, and young animals as they mature.
The cubs have grown and they are in the juvenile stage. As they reach sexual maturity, siblings naturally seek space from one another once reaching adulthood to avoid inbreeding. If you visit the tiger cubs today, you'll see only one at a time as they rotate spaces, spending time apart to support natural behaviors. Given our tigers are now grown adults, they are ready to start their own families through their own SSP recommendations. Ayaz just received his first breeding recommendation to go father cubs of his own!
Funding for all Sunset Zoo Capital improvement comes from the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust. While the City of Manhattan owns and supports the Zoo, the Zoo Trust supports construction improvements to existing buildings and future developments.
Arli shared information about Hissyphus, a ball python.
For more information on zoo activities, visit their website: https://www.sunsetzoo.com/
GUESTS: Dr. Kaleigh Reyes, our speaker, Arli, a zoo educator, and Hissyphus, a ball python.
CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:
Bill Wisdom noted that he sent volunteer information to the volunteers for the annual Chili Crawl on October 24th and if anyone has any questions, please contact him. He also thanked all the volunteers.
Social at the Midwest Dream Car Collection (MDCC) on November 4th at 3 pm. There will be a short program where someone will tell us about MDCC and then members can informally tour it. Volunteers will be there to answer questions. After the tour, interested members can go next door to Powercat Grill for Happy Hour from 4-6 pm. There is no cost as Mike and Sharon Fincham are members of MDCC. If you would like to attend, please respond to Sharon Fincham at: slfin@cox.net
On November 7th, the Optimist will manage the parking at the fire station on Denison and receive the revenue. Several members have volunteered, and a couple of more are needed to park cars for that event. Cleanup is required after the game is over.
Steve Boeckman is also looking for a couple of volunteers to repair Christmas tree stands, probably the week of the 18th-24th depending on the weather.
Clyde Scott announced that Dues are Due. Dues are $150.00 for regular memberships and $105.00 for life memberships.
Bruce Bidwell shared pictures of work done at Optimist Park and thanked Steve Boeckman for his work. (See information and pictures below birthdays)
Bruce also handed out fliers on sponsorships of Optimist meals. See information and pictures below birthdays)
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.
SAVE THE DATE: October 24th is our 24th annual Chili Crawl.
OCTOBER 21 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Youth of the Month – Woodrow Wilson & Oliver Brown Elementary
OCTOBER 28 – NOON MEETING: Program: Linda Shortsleeves – K-State Credit Union Member Card Solutions Spec.: Topic: “Fraud Awareness/Elder Abuse”
