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aquariums and zoos
you
ON THE COVER While water covers about seventy percent of the Earth’s surface, only about two percent is fresh water, which people share with a quarter of all the world’s vertebrates. Competition for this scarce resource means that freshwater ecosystems and the animals that live in them are increasingly under threat. In the southeastern United States, these habitats are also global biodiversity hotspots, home to more than a third of the country’s freshwater fishes, including colorful fishes like minnows, darters, and the brook trout. AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos are leaders in caring for freshwater animals and their ecosystems, while offering visitors creative opportunities to understand and engage with these amazing animals. Innovative habitats and well-trained staff create environments where freshwater fishes, turtles, mussels, and other animals thrive. Visitors have intimate experiences with animals that cannot be matched by books, photographs or even movies. By helping people develop an appreciation for and love of the freshwater ecosystems on which we all depend, AZA-accredited aquariums help ensure future generations will be able to experience and learn about freshwater species and their habitats. Brook Trout © Todd Stailey, Tennessee Aquarium Zoos and Aquariums & You is published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the advancement of zoological parks and aquariums. Copyright Policy: All items appearing in Zoos and Aquariums & You are copyright of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Permission to reprint items must be obtained by contacting AZA’s FPO Publications Department at tlewthwaite@aza.org.
zoos and aquariums
you
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Introduction
3 Education & You
11 Conservation & You
19 Animal Health and Welfare & You
25 Association of Zoos and Aquariums & You
31 Economic Impact of Zoos and Aquariums & You
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education,
science, and recreation. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums enhance local and regional economies,
collectively generating more than $21 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more
than 204,000 jobs.
AZA is the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and aquariums in America
and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility that it meets
the highest standards. The people at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are highly-trained
professionals providing excellent care for more than 800,000 animals, making them the leading
experts in care and animal welfare. Less than 10 percent of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed
by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act meet the more
comprehensive standards of AZA accreditation. Looking for the AZA logo is the easiest, most
reliable way for people to choose zoos and aquariums that meet rigorous accreditation
standards for animal care, safety, conservation, education and more.
AZA represents more than 200 institutions in the United States and overseas, which collectively
draw more than 182 million visitors every year. These institutions meet the highest standards in
animal care and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate
millions of dollars to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs. Every year,
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums spend $160 million on field conservation alone, supporting
more than 2,600 projects in 130 countries.
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are leaders in the protection of threatened and endangered
species. The AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is a cooperative animal management,
breeding, and conservation effort administered by the Association. This program convenes experts
in animal care, welfare, and conservation who work toward maintaining genetically diverse, self-
sustaining populations of more than 500 species of animals. Program participants cooperate on
conservation education initiatives, animal health research, wildlife reintroductions, and support
field conservation efforts to help ensure long-term species survival.
As centers for conservation involvement, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provide the public
with essential connections to the natural world. More than 50 million visitors to AZA-accredited
zoos and aquariums are children, making accredited zoos and aquariums essential to science and
environmental education. AZA-accredited facilities train 40,000 teachers every year, supporting
state science curricula with teaching materials and hands-on opportunities for students who
might otherwise have no first-hand experience with wildlife. In fact, there is growing evidence that
aquariums and zoos are highly effective at teaching people about science and connecting them
to the natural world.
2
EDUCATION
you
EDUCATION X
Connecting Communities to Each Other,
to Wildlife, and to Wild Places
What do you remember most vividly AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos their parks, but also through conservation
about your last trip to an aquarium or connect people with wildlife in multiple projects that encourage local community
zoo? If you have trouble recalling the last ways. Nowhere else can you observe involvement in action that supports the
time you visited, then it is high time to exotic animals so closely, exhibiting habitats and animals where we live.
plan a trip to your local Association of natural behaviors in naturalistic settings. Education is a major component of these
Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited Seeing animals in this intimate way is projects, sharing perspectives on ways we
zoo or aquarium. If you do have a recent always a thrill. Whether it is a female can live cooperatively with wildlife, utilize
memory, it might involve an interesting giraffe gently guiding her calf to feed, or resources wisely, and successfully
animal behavior you observed, a unique a sea otter playfully chasing his brother, integrate conservation practices into our
fact you learned from an exhibit or the opportunities to watch wildlife in daily lives. In this way, aquariums and
interpreter, a new perspective on ways action in the zoo and aquarium setting zoos help make vital connections among
you can support conservation action, or are unparalleled. Trained educators and people of many cultures and
simply a fun experience with the interpreters utilize these moments of communities.
members of your group. While aquariums wonder and excitement to advance
and zoos are structured to provide visitors’ understanding of biology, During a zoo or aquarium visit,
exciting opportunities to connect with conservation, and the environment. connections are also made among people.
wild animals in a safe setting, they offer Whether you are visiting with a partner,
much more than that in the way of Aquariums and zoos not only offer the
connections. opportunity to connect with animals at
Photo © Phoenix Zoo
4
sharing the experience with relatives
from out of town, or bringing the kids
and their friends along, bonds are made AZA VOICES
around the shared experience of
observing wildlife together. Joint efforts
are rewarded when people work together
Jane Davis
to spot an animal hiding in an exhibit and AQUARIUM CURATOR
there is a sense of togetherness when
Walt Disney World, Animals, Science and Environment at
reading exhibit graphics and discovering
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
new knowledge to share with the other
members of the group. One way to make
a special connection during your visit is
to talk with zoo and aquarium staff.
Educators at AZA-accredited facilities,
both staff and volunteers, are trained to
help visitors make connections with the
incredible resources found there. It is a
skill known as interpretation—a
communication process that builds
intellectual and emotional connections
between the things people are curious
about and the greater significance of
those things. The zookeepers, aquarists,
and curators working with the animals
are also keen to share their work with the
public and to relate what they do
to their enthusiasm for animals. People
are invited to ask them questions, hear
their stories, and make them part of
the learning experience.
The learning that occurs in aquariums and
As the aquarium curator, I am responsible for the care and well-being of the
zoos is proving to be more significant
aquatic animals that live in one of the world’s largest aquariums—The Seas with
than previously believed. In fact, most of
Nemo & Friends, which is located at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort.
the science people know they learn
Supervising the day-to-day care of over 10,000 aquatic animals is a demanding
outside the classroom. Where does this
task, and we are fortunate to have a team of animal care specialists, veterinarians,
science learning occur? In the richly
and water scientists that is dedicated to providing the best possible care. Located
intriguing exhibits and programs of
in Central Florida, we are very involved with manatee and sea turtle rescue and
aquariums, zoos, science museums, and
rehabilitation. I am currently serving as the chair of the Manatee Rehabilitation
nature centers that abound with
Partnership, and we are working with over 15 organizations and government
opportunities for people to learn
agencies to help manatees recover. Our animal care team also has nursed more
informally. These are settings where
than 300 endangered sea turtles back to health and returned them to the sea.
natural curiosity fosters learning that is
In my work and travels, I have learned that all of us have an opportunity to educate
self-motivated—wonder about how an
people about our beautiful world.
octopus can solve the puzzle of
unscrewing a jar cover to get the food Appointed to the Florida Oceans and Coastal Research and Resources Council in
inside, how fish swim so close together 2005, and, in 2007, to the federal Ocean Research and Advisory Panel (ORAP),
without touching, how an orangutan can I became focused on the public’s understanding of our oceans. As I listened to
use an iPad to play a game, and why many of our nation’s great ocean scientists, I asked myself, how do we get people
healthy frog populations are vital to to care about protecting the fragile ocean? I was convinced that we need to have
human health. Whether unstructured, great educational programming aimed at many audiences. We have written an
self-guided, or as part of an educational ORAP Education strategy that we hope will be used by the National Ocean Council
program, the information assembled from to build a nation of caring ocean conservationists. We all have an important
these learning experiences contributes opportunity to protect the natural world we live in.
substantially to the overall education
people acquire in their lifetimes. Informal
learning environments like aquariums and Photo © Walt Disney World
zoos are places where critical neural
EDUCATION 5
Connecting Communities to
PARTNERSHIP WITH TACOMA’S
Each Other, to Wildlife, and
SCIENCE AND MATH INSTITUTE
to Wild Places —continued
connections are forged, increasing our
ability to identify patterns, analyze data,
and solve problems.
One area of education where zoos and
aquariums excel is environmental
education. As environmental education
becomes more integrated into science
education standards, aquariums and zoos
are assuming a larger role in formal
education. AZA-accredited facilities
function as integral intersections between
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash., and its surrounding 700 acre Point
formal and informal learning, fostering
Defiance Park are the setting of the Science and Math Institute (SAMI), a Tacoma public
strong connections with local school
high school. The partnership between SAMI and the Zoo affords unparalleled science
districts and state curricula.
learning opportunities for students utilizing the Zoo’s diverse living collection and
accessing the Park’s natural resources. Students engage in wide-ranging interdisciplinary
In a world where finding ways to engage
coursework including explorations of math by calculating the nutritional needs of polar
directly with nature can be challenging,
bears and investigations of biology by conducting small mammal surveys of the park.
zoos and aquariums also provide Students also develop zoo animal behavioral research projects and engage in marine
intriguing ways to connect with the science learning by meeting sharks face-to-face and addressing seafood sustainability.
natural environment. Most AZA- Close-up study of raptors and reptiles and special presentations by animal care staff
accredited facilities offer refuge from members facilitate art and writing projects.
urban environments and easy access to
elements of nature that improve our Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this partnership is the opportunity afforded
students to participate in projects in Point Defiance Park and the Zoo that provide
well-being. The disconnect from nature
hands-on learning. These projects, in citizen science, environmental restoration, and the
that affects youth nationwide can be
biological sciences, engage students in learning while allowing them to make significant
combatted by early and frequent
contributions to their community. Students have participated in the Park’s BioBlitz species
exposure to unstructured outdoor play in inventory event, turf conversion projects, and many other community service projects as
a natural setting, with adult role models part of their SAMI experience.
who instill a desire to value and nurture
those places. Aquariums and zoos are The Zoo’s partnership with SAMI coincides completely with Point Defiance Zoo and
safe places for children to play and Aquarium’s values of providing educational experiences that connect people to nature,
explore the natural world, to learn from fostering an ethic of environmental responsibility while enriching our community.
trained educators how to interact
responsibly with the environment, to have
fun, get exercise, and to establish
valuable, life-long connections with
animals and their habitats.
Photo © Tacoma Public Schools
Photo © Houston Zoo
6
ANIMALS: Cute and Fun
SCIENCE: Difficult and Boring
How do you use the first assumption to program helps Chicago middle school focused on engaging youth in animal
dispel the second? students learn more about careers in behavior studies to better understand
science, demonstrates how the science their own native wildlife as well as the
Most youth—and plenty of adults—are inquiry skills they learn in the classroom wildlife of their international peers.
under the impression that science is connect to real-world conservation work,
inherently challenging and tedious. and builds independent work skills as The program led to increased
Yet they insist that animals, especially they select topics of their choice for understanding of the work of researchers
animals interacting with each other and investigation. Proven to be a successful by youth in both countries as well as
their environments, are fascinating and program in Chicago, the Zoo was eager an increase in knowledge about local
enjoyable to study. Chicago’s Lincoln Park to share the opportunity with youth ecology. Everyone involved gained a
Zoo is actively dispelling the notion that beyond the city limits. greater understanding for each other’s
science is difficult and boring by involving culture, such a critical piece to global
youth in science programs that give them After a rigorous application process in understanding between two very
access to a very interesting collection of May of 2011, Lincoln Park Zoo received a different regions of the world. When the
animals and the motivation to want to Museums Connect grant in the amount grant came to a close, the Zoo was eager
learn more about them. of $95,000 from the American Alliance to determine if this learning model could
of Museums and the U.S. Department of be replicated and used to engage youth
Lincoln Park Zoo’s award winning Young State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural from around the world in animal behavior
Researchers Collaborative program Affairs. The grant allowed the Zoo to studies. At the time, there was no funding
engages approximately 1,000 urban launch the Community of Conservation available to pursue this investigation, but
youth each year in original research program, a partnership between the
projects on animal behavior. The Zoo and the National Museum of Niger Photo © Lincoln Park Zoo
EDUCATION 7
Animals: Cute and Fun
Science: Difficult and Boring —continued
Lincoln Park Zoo educators had no idea
how quickly this situation would change.
In October 2012, the Zoo received an
extraordinary leadership gift of three
million dollars to launch a new learning
center. The Hurvis Center for Learning
Innovation and Collaboration will
explore new programming models and
innovative methods of connecting with
audiences to better understand how zoos
and museums can educate and inspire
communities in science and conservation
learning. The first initiative launched was
based on a model of global learning that
engages youth in animal behavior studies
while tapping into new technology. At
the core of the program is a specially
designed, free iPad App that allows
people to conduct original studies of
animal behavior using data collection and
analysis technology similar to that used
by researchers. The App is available in
the iPad store and can be used by zoos,
aquariums and museums that are looking
for technology to support their new or
existing programs in animal behavior;
students tackling an independent
study project, or term paper; and even Students at Lincoln Park Zoo using the iPad animal behavior App. Photo © Lincoln Park Zoo
individuals with an interest in animals.
The App is also available in Spanish. education programs. The Hurvis Center
is poised to address the growing need
Through programs like the Young
within the zoo, museum and aquarium
Researchers Collaborative and
community to explore new approaches
Community of Conservation, along with
to engage visitors in science learning.
exciting advances emerging from the new
Collaboration with colleagues across the
Hurvis Center for Learning Innovation
zoo and museum community is a critical
and Collaboration, Lincoln Park Zoo is
part of the center’s mission and Lincoln
capitalizing on the popularity of animals
Park Zoo invites individuals, schools or
to dispel the assumption that science
cultural institutions interested in learning
is difficult and dull. By developing
more about Hurvis Center programs to
innovative tools that engage ordinary
visit the center’s website at www.lpzoo.
people in science research and providing
org/Hurvis-Center or make direct contact
opportunities for youth to contribute in a
at HurvisCenter@lpzoo.org.
meaningful way to wildlife conservation,
Lincoln Park Zoo is one example of how Dr. Leah Melber is the Senior Director of the
AZA-accredited facilities nationwide are Hurvis Center for Learning Innovation and
preparing the next generation to Collaboration at Lincoln Park Zoo
become science leaders.
Rachel Bergren was Vice President of Education
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to at Lincoln Park Zoo
providing the highest quality in animal Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal
Allison Price is Director of Education at behavior iPad App.
care, conservation and science, and
Lincoln Park Zoo
8AZA VOICES
Bill Street
CORPORATE CURATOR OF CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
I help our company look after our education and spend enough time in unstructured play outdoors, and I
conservation efforts. Education and conservation is central believe that softens their conservation ethic. I believe it’s
to the character of our company and is integrated in nearly important that zoos and aquariums educate and inspire
all facets of our organization. I help to ensure we grow the youth to conserve our natural world.
company’s commitment to connecting people with animals
to inspire them to conserve wildlife and wild places. I am very interested in the future of zoos and aquariums
and how they adapt to changes in society. I am active
Youth today have incredible competition for their in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Trends
time. Higher expectations in the classroom, increasing Committee and I am a board member on the International
participation in extracurricular activities and a nearly Zoo Educators Association. I visit zoos and aquariums
instantaneous access to information and entertainment worldwide to identify new programs to share within the
often leads to less interest and importance being place on zoological community. I have also been working to better
nature-based experiences. Previous generations simply understand our guests in order to encourage them to
spent more time outdoors, and thus had a stronger behave in ways that are beneficial to the environment.
understanding and connection to it. Today’s youth don’t
Bill Street teaching students about invasive Burmese pythons, penguins, and stingrays.
Photos © SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.
EDUCATION 9Accredited Zoos and Aquariums: Key Partners in Education
Programs for Students and Teachers: • 87% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums involve
• 12 million students (Pre-K through Grade 12) visit students/teens in volunteer programs
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums each year as
• One third of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
part of a school field trip
offer after school programming
• 11 million students participate in formal on-site
• 15% of AZA member institutions conduct distance
education programs each year
learning programs
• 4 million students participate in formal off-site
Working With Federal, State and Local Education Agencies:
education programs every year
• One fourth of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
• AZA–accredited zoos and aquariums conduct training are collaborating on initiatives and projects with
for 40,000 teachers annually state departments of education or with the U.S.
Department of Education
Community Resources for Diverse Audiences:
• AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums whose school
• 100% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have programs/materials are aligned with:
an educator on staff and a well-developed education
• State education standards – 97%
program geared toward the needs of their communities
• Local education standards – 86%
• 82% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer
• 27% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have
programs for underserved audiences including
been involved in the development of their state’s
individuals with special needs, minorities, and the
Environmental Literacy Plan
economically disadvantaged
Visit www.aza.org for more information
• 94% percent of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
offer early childhood (Pre-K) programming
Photo © Houston Zoo
10CONSERVATION
you
EDUCATION XLeaders in
Conservation
Conservation is a priority for AZA-
accredited institutions and is a key
component of their missions. Whether
saving species on the brink of extinction
or ensuring species never reach such a
precarious state, Americans can trust that
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are
working hard to protect wildlife and wild
habitat for future generations to enjoy.
Zoos and aquariums accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) serve as conservation centers that
are concerned about ecosystem health,
take responsibility for species survival,
contribute to research, conservation,
and education, and provide society the
opportunity to develop personal
connections with the animals in their
care. These institutions play a vital role
in maintaining our planet’s diverse
wildlife and natural habitats while
engaging the public to appreciate and
participate in conservation.
Species Recovery
Madagascar boasts amphibian diversity found nowhere else on the planet. The Association of Zoos
Zoos and aquariums have long been and Aquariums’ (AZA) Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF) provided initial funding to construct
seen as important contributors to species a biosecure facility in Andasibe, east-central Madagascar, to ensure the long-term conservation
recovery. Since the 1960s, iconic animals of the country’s amphibian diversity. Today the building houses a growing living amphibian
worldwide have been identified as collection, space for culturing local feeder insect species, and a quarantine room. It is located in
endangered—or even extinct in the wild— the Analamazaotra Reserve, managed by the community-based organization Association Mitsinjo,
and their reproduction in zoos and and provides a venue for training the next generation of Malagasy amphibian biologists.
aquariums over the decades has helped Boophis erythrodactylus © Devin Edmonds
recover and support their populations in
the wild. For example, the Arabian oryx red wolves, and many other animals AZA publishes an Annual Report on
in the Arabian Peninsula and the among its living wildlife heritage. Conservation Science (ARCS) to illustrate
Przewalski’s horse in northwestern China the conservation activities of accredited
were both identified as extinct in the Field Conservation zoos and aquariums. Recent reports have
wild but now, due in part to the efforts AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums do focused exclusively on those projects
of AZA-accredited zoos, both have been much more than save species on the brink that directly impacted animals in the wild
down-listed by the International Union for of extinction. They also make substantial and have found that AZA member
the Conservation of Nature as Vulnerable contributions towards coordinating, institutions spend more than $160 million
and Endangered, respectively. participating, or supporting conservation each year on these projects and work in
projects that directly contribute to all more than 130 countries. Read about
Species recovery is a global endeavor types of field work, provide veterinary the conservation projects of the
that includes work in our own and rehabilitation care in the face of accredited zoo or aquarium near you
communities. It is thanks in large part to wildlife disease and injury, conduct both at www.aza.org/annual-report-on-
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums lab and field research on ways to protect conservation-and-science.
that the United States can still proudly species or ecosystems in the wild, and
claim the American burying beetle, create opportunities to increase Sustainable Practices
Wyoming and Puerto Rican crested toads, conservation awareness, advocacy, action, Habitat loss and degradation resulting
black-footed ferrets, California condors, capacity and fundraising. Each year, from pollution, over-exploitation, invasive
12species, and climate change are some
of the most significant threats facing
wildlife worldwide. Responsible resource AZA VOICES
conservation can lessen these threats and
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are
taking a leading role in conserving the
Michelle Smurl
natural resources utilized in their business DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
operations. Sustainable practices are
Brevard Zoo, Florida
implemented to reduce water and energy
usage, decrease waste generation, and
encourage the generation and purchase
of green products and renewable energy.
From developing water filtration systems
in aquatic exhibits that save water;
installing both small and extensive solar
panel arrays; designing and building
innovative waste-to-energy systems;
receiving ISO 14001 certification for
designing and implementing effective
environmental management systems and
the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED
certifications for buildings and
construction; to working with visitors,
restaurants, and vendors to offer
sustainable food options, AZA-accredited
zoos and aquariums are inspirational
public examples of putting conservation
talk into daily operations.
Scientific Research
Scientific research is a trademark of
the modern zoo and aquarium. AZA-
accredited zoos and aquariums conduct
or facilitate research investigations to
mitigate human-wildlife conflict, improve
reintroduction methodologies, develop As a Brevard Zoo conservation staff member, collaborating with a variety of
new tools for monitoring animals in the public and private partners, I have overseen the translocation of 11 families of
wild, examine disease transmission Florida scrub-jays from marginal urban environments slated for public projects
between domestic and wild animals, to restored and managed public lands in Brevard County. Translocation
test bird-friendly options for zoo and efforts will benefit a large number of Florida scrub-jay individuals and
aquarium construction, and more. provide valuable information to all involved with the project. Florida scrub-jay
Research conducted at accredited translocation efforts on property open to the public provide the community
zoos and aquariums in areas such as with an opportunity to see and be actively involved in the management of
sensory biology, physiology, nutrition, a threatened endemic species. This raises the profile of the Florida scrub-
reproduction, and cognition has increased jay and other species and also grows community interest, participation, and
our understanding of the species being encourages the community to take ownership in biological conservation.
investigated and provides results which
may be applied to benefit the health of The Florida scrub-jay families written off by incidental take permits have an
animals in wild populations. In order for increased chance of survival if moved to conservation lands with optimal scrub
conservation activities to achieve their habitat and managed with periodic fire and mechanical reduction.
intended outcomes, AZA-accredited
The Florida scrub-jay is often viewed as an umbrella species for scrub habitats.
zoos and aquariums rely on research
Healthy Florida scrub-jay populations will benefit a variety of species including
and science.
the Florida mouse, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, scrub lizard and indigo snake.
Partnering for Conservation
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
partner with the federal agencies, Photos © Brevard Zoo
CONSERVATION 13Leaders in Conservation —continued
international non-governmental Awards cooperative conservation initiatives
organizations, local communities and Every year, AZA recognizes exceptional of conservationists and researchers
each other on sophisticated efforts by AZA-accredited zoos and in AZA-accredited institutions and
conservation and research programs, aquariums, related facilities, and their partners.
both in zoos and aquariums as well as in conservation partners toward habitat
the field, to achieve successful outcomes Since its inception in 1991, the CEF has
preservation, species restoration, and
for wildlife. AZA fosters these provided over $5.7 million dollars to
support of biodiversity through its
collaborative efforts to advance animal more than 320 conservation projects in
International and North American
conservation initiatives and strategies over 55 countries and throughout the
Conservation Awards. AZA also
by making an abundance of resources United States. CEF grants are awarded
recognizes programs to reduce the
available, including educational in six categories: animal health, animal
environmental impact of business
information, planning tools and guides, welfare, conservation education, field
operations through its Green Award.
databases, funding sources, and awards. conservation, management and/or
Winners of these awards can be found
These include popular items like AZA’s breeding, and research.
on AZA’s website: www.aza.org/
Green Guide and Guidelines to Develop honors-awards.
Support for the CEF comes almost
an Institutional Conservation Strategic
exclusively from AZA members, including
Plan, as well as AZA’s Smart Source, a Conservation Endowment Fund
individuals, AZA-accredited institutions,
national purchasing cooperative From reintroducing Siamese crocodiles
and AZA commercial members. Since
designed and managed exclusively for in Cambodia to studying the critically
1999, the Walt Disney World Company
the benefit of AZA member zoos, endangered Hirola in Kenya, and from
and the Disney Worldwide Conservation
aquariums and related facilities that working with the Northern Cheyenne
Fund have provided significant financial
includes a major focus on green initiatives Reservation to engage youth in black-
support to the CEF, increasing the funds
and sustainability. Two of AZA’s most footed ferret recovery to developing
available for AZA members’ high quality
prestigious programs to support laboratory techniques to collect marine
conservation projects by more than a
members’ conservation initiatives are its fish eggs and rear fish larvae, AZA’s
third. Learn more about the projects
annual awards and the Conservation Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF)
supported by the CEF or donate to the
Endowment Fund. provides critical support for the
fund at www.aza.org/cef/.
THE PHOENIX ZOO & OPERATION ORYX
Operation Oryx began in the 1960s as a last-ditch effort to save
the Arabian oryx from extinction. Several of the last remaining
animals were brought into managed care at the Phoenix Zoo
in Phoenix, Ariz. In 1978, the Zoo worked with the Jordanian
government and numerous conservation organizations to transfer
oryx from Phoenix to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve near Azraq,
Jordan. Now run by the Royal Society for the Conservation
of Nature (RSCN), Shaumari is dedicated to Arabian oryx
conservation and reintroduction.
Several years ago Shaumari was closed to the public for
re-development. A team of experts including representatives
from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and San Diego Zoo
Global conducted an assessment of the reserve’s needs. Highest
priorities were a veterinary assessment of the reserve’s animals
and additional staff training.
As a result, staff from the Phoenix Zoo traveled to Jordan in 2010 for additional collaborations, allowing the Zoo to continue to
to assist the RSCN in evaluating the health of Shaumari’s herds. contribute to the recovery of this remarkable species.
The Zoo has hosted the reserve manager for training in Arizona
and one of the Zoo’s veterinarians returned to Jordan in 2011 to Ruth Allard is the Executive Vice President, Conservation and Visitor
provide additional assistance. Phoenix Zoo and RSCN staff are Experiences, Phoenix Zoo
currently finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding and plans Photo © Phoenix Zoo
14Species Projects
BREWING FOR BUTTERFLIES
Oregon Silverspot butterflies once flourished in coastal grasslands
from Washington to California. Due to habitat loss, this threatened
butterfly is now found only in a handful of protected areas. Oregon
Silverspot butterflies depend on a unique ecosystem of coastal
grasslands, with caterpillars feeding on violet leaves and butterflies
drinking the nectar of flowering plants. A collaborative habitat
restoration and reintroduction program is helping to increase
this butterfly population. Through this effort, staff and volunteers
at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash., and the Oregon Zoo in
Portland, Ore., rear the butterflies in the zoos from the egg to pupa
or chrysalis stage, releasing them into the wild to augment the
population. At the first release in 2000, 191 pupae were released
at one site. From those pupae, 107 butterflies eclosed and were
released. Since 2008 over 10,000 pupae have been released at three
sites. Thanks to these efforts, there are now healthy populations of
butterflies at sites where almost none were found a few years ago.
In 2012, a unique collaboration between the Woodland Park Zoo,
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Recovery team and a coastal eatery,
the Pelican Pub and Brewery resulted in Silverspot IPA, a beer
brewed and sold by the Pelican to help raise awareness of the
butterfly. “Drink a beer, save a butterfly!” A portion of the proceeds
from the sale of this beer help fund conservation efforts for the
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly.
Erin Sullivan is the Collection Manager at Woodland Park Zoo.
Photos © Woodland Zoo
ATTWATER’S PRAIRIE-CHICKEN
Attwater’s prairie-chicken originally ranged throughout coastal Texas
and southwestern Louisiana, but is now restricted to a small band
of habitat along the Texas coast. Estimated to number perhaps as
many as one million birds historically, the subspecies was reduced to
less than 50 individuals in three isolated areas by 1996. In 1992 the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested the assistance of institutions
to propagate stock for release. Several Texas zoological institutions
became breeding facilities. Current participants in Texas include the
Abilene Zoological Gardens in Abilene, the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler,
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Houston Zoo, Inc., in Houston,
San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Antonio in San
Antonio. As recommended by the Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken Recovery
Plan, birds produced at the captive-breeding facilities are returned to
wild sites, which have included the Attwater Prairie Chicken National
Wildlife Refuge, the Texas City Prairie Preserve, and private lands near
Goliad, Texas. Staff at the Houston Zoo maintains the official Studbook
for this species as well as manage the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for
the zoos that are involved with the recovery.
Hannah Bailey is the Curator of Birds and Natural Encounters at
Houston Zoo, Inc.
Photos © Joel Sartore (www.joelsartore.com/galleries/the-photo-ark/)
CONSERVATION 15Species Projects —continued
FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION AND
RESEARCH CENTER
Ohio’s waterways are home to some of the most endangered
animals in the world—freshwater mussels. Nearly 42 percent
of North American freshwater mussel species are found in
the Ohio River basin, serving as natural biological filters, food
for wildlife, and indicators of good water quality. In 2001, the
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, in Columbus, Ohio; along with
The Ohio State University; the Wilds, near Cumberland, Ohio;
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife;
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Columbus Recreation
and Parks Department founded and fund the Freshwater Mussel
(AZA) North America Conservation Award, the highest
Conservation and Research Center (FMCRC) to assist in the
conservation honor given by the AZA. Over a five year period
propagation and conservation of highly endangered freshwater
the Center reintroduced 6,200 endangered Northern riffleshell
mussel species. Maintained adjacent to the Scioto River near the
mussels to Ohio waterways—the largest reintroduction ever to
Columbus Zoo, the FMCRC is one of only ten freshwater mussel
occur in Ohio. Funding for the FMCRC has also been provided
conservation facilities in North America, and the only facility of
by the Columbus Foundation, the Morris Animal Foundation,
its kind in the Midwest. The FMCRC’s research and conservation
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Mussel
efforts focus on development of innovative methods of captive
Mitigation Trust.
care and health assessment, and have produced exceptional
results with numerous species propagated, cultured, translocated, Doug Warmolts is the Director of Animal Care at the Columbus
and introduced to Ohio streams and rivers. In 2011, the program Zoo and Aquarium
was recognized with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Photos © Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
THE TIGER SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN AND ITS TIGER CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN
The tiger is an iconic species exhibited at half of all Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums (yes, even some aquariums). But
this popular and beloved animal is quickly disappearing from the wild. In the past
century four of nine subspecies of tigers have gone extinct in their natural habitats.
The Tiger Species Survival Plan® (SSP) is an AZA cooperative breeding program
that scientifically manages populations of Amur, Malayan, and Sumatran tigers—each
of which is thought to number fewer than 500 in the wild. These tigers, exhibited at
accredited zoos and aquariums, serve as a kind of genetic insurance policy for their
wild counterparts.
Understanding that the zoo and aquarium community has an incredible opportunity,
ability, and responsibility to play a much larger role in saving this iconic species from
extinction, the Tiger SSP initiated its Tiger Conservation Campaign in 2012. The goals
of the campaign are to increase awareness about the plight of wild tigers and raise
funding for their conservation.
In its first year, the Tiger Conservation Campaign raised significant funds in support
of wild tiger conservation, and effectively doubled the number of zoos supporting
wild tiger conservation. The campaign’s website (www.mnzoo.org/tigerssp/campaign)
and social media page (www.facebook.com/tigercampaign) have engaged zoos and
the general public to support tiger conservation, and numerous zoos have initiated
tiger-themed events to raise public awareness. Working together, we believe our zoo
and aquarium community can make a big impact and help secure a future
for this awe-inspiring species.
Tara Harris, PhD, is the Director of Conservation at Minnesota Zoo and the Tiger SSP Coordinator
Top Photo © Phoenix Zoo. Bottom Photo © Minnesota Zoo
16GREENING OPERATIONS AT THE DENVER ZOO Denver Zoo in Denver, Colo., was awarded the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) inaugural Green Award in 2011 for leading efforts in sustainability through its Sustainable Management System (SMS). This system provides an institution-wide framework for Denver Zoo to identify, implement, measure, report, and continually improve operations to reduce the Zoo’s environmental impact. As the first zoo in the country to receive ISO 14001 certification for its entire operation, Denver Zoo has proven it is committed to operating at the highest environmental standards and it conducts regular independent outside audits to ensure consistent benchmarking and improvement. To achieve its aggressive goal to become a zero waste facility by 2025, Denver Zoo is designing and building an innovative waste-to-energy system in the Zoo’s LEED-platinum certified Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit. This system will convert 90 percent of the Zoo’s total waste stream into clean energy; reducing its landfill contribution by 1.5 million pounds annually. In addition to developing innovative renewable energy technology, Denver Zoo has implemented water conservation projects over the last ten years that have reduced annual water usage by approximately 60 percent since 1999. Staff has also demonstrated its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing use of alternative transportation to work by 41 percent since 2009. “These efforts are evidence of our employees’ long-term commitment to leadership in sustainable business practices. As a conservation organization, it’s important for us to operate our business in alignment with our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding,” says Denver Zoo President/ CEO Craig Piper. “As a trusted, high profile organization in our community, we embrace our responsibility to demonstrate how businesses, not just zoos and aquariums, can thrive while having a lighter touch on our planet. Denver Zoo and a number of our AZA colleagues are leading this charge.” Jennifer Hale is the Sustainability Manager at the Denver Zoological Foundation Photos © Denver Zoo CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS Annually, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums contribute approximately $160 million to the conservation and protection of animals in the wild. AZA institutions work on projects involving hundreds of species around the world. While some of that work was carried out by the member institutions themselves, much of it was carried out in cooperation with partners. Conservation is only possible when working with the people living on the land and next to the animals. AZA-accredited institutions support projects that protect species and respect people. Whether it is working with a local NGO to protect lions and the Maasai ranching traditions in the Serengeti, or the National Park Service in India to protect rhinos and the crops of nearby farms, AZA zoos and aquariums are working hard to protect the species that are important to our visitors and the villagers living around the world. Steve Burns is the Director at Zoo Boise CONSERVATION 17
AZA VOICES
Anna George, PhD
DIRECTOR OF THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Tennessee Aquarium
Aquatic animals have always fascinated me, and I’ve never We work to protect and restore native aquatic animals in
passed up a chance to grab a snorkeling mask and jump in a the southeastern U.S., a global hotspot for biodiversity.
clear river or the ocean. My journey to protect water quality With the help of many partners from government agencies,
and freshwater biodiversity started with this simple desire to universities, and other nonprofit organizations, we have
learn more about animals in my backyard. managed long-term reintroduction programs that have
helped both game and nongame fishes, including lake
Effective freshwater conservation can’t be achieved solely sturgeon, Barrens topminnows, Conasauga logperch, and
through my work; it requires coordinated actions by many Southern Appalachian brook trout. We have restored spring
community members. Aquariums and zoos offer millions of habitat in north Georgia to help imperiled coldwater darters
people an opportunity to connect with nature like I do during and brownback salamanders.
my snorkel trips. The Tennessee Aquarium’s dynamic exhibits
of southeastern animals help inspire an environmental ethic in We also researched the impact of the catastrophic coal ash
our community that is an integral part of our work protecting spill in Tennessee to raise awareness of the destructive impact
freshwater life. of coal ash on fishes like largemouth bass.
Photos © Tennessee Aquarium
18ANIMAL HEALTH
AND WELFARE
you
EDUCATION XLeaders in Animal Care and Welfare
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program developing a plan that identifies the
(AZA) is dedicated to maintaining AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums work population goals and recommendations
standards of excellence in all aspects together through the Species Survival to ensure the sustainability of that
of animal care and welfare. Exceptional Plan® (SSP) Program, cooperative animal species. SSPs participate in a variety of
animal management practices in management, breeding, and conservation other cooperative conservation
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and efforts administered by AZA. This activities, such as research, public
cooperatively among these institutions, program convenes experts in animal education, reintroduction, and field
is not only vital for the health of each care, welfare, and conservation who work conservation projects. There are more
individual animal, but also necessary to toward maintaining genetically diverse, than 500 SSPs covering a variety of
ensure that healthy, genetically diverse self-sustaining populations of more mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,
populations are sustained for the long term. than 500 species of animals. Program fish, and invertebrates, many of them
participants cooperate on conservation threatened and endangered species.
education initiatives, animal health Some species managed under the AZA
research, wildlife reintroductions, and SSP Program include the addax, American
support field conservation efforts to help burying beetle, Lake Victoria cichlids,
ensure long-term species survival. California condor, African wild dog,
Each SSP is responsible for examining Photo by Julie Larsen-Maher © Wildlife
the needs of a specific species and Conservation Society
20black-footed ferret, western lowland Animal Welfare comfortable, well-nourished, safe, able
gorilla, snow leopard, Okapi, Puerto A primary goal of AZA-accredited zoos to develop and express species-typical
Rican crested toad, and Grevy’s zebra. and aquariums is to achieve the highest relationships, behaviors, and cognitive
standard of welfare for the animals in abilities. Animal husbandry practices
Animal Health ensure that the physiological, biological,
their care. Standards are constantly being
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums raised, ensuring that animals in these psychological, and social needs of the
practice state-of-the-art veterinary institutions are receiving the best possible animals cared for in AZA-accredited zoos
care. Skilled wildlife veterinarians work care from highly-qualified staff. Successful and aquariums are addressed.
in modern veterinary facilities to care animal husbandry in zoos and aquariums
for more than 800,000 animals in AZA Animal Care Manuals are authored
also requires detailed knowledge of a
AZA-accredited facilities. Beyond, by recognized species experts, including
species’ ecology, reproductive biology,
excellent animal health and the biologists, veterinarians, nutritionists,
genetics, behavior, nutrition, and diseases.
prevention and early detection of illness, reproduction physiologists, behaviorists,
AZA Scientific Advisory Groups are
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and researchers. These manuals present
composed of subject matter experts and
are leaders in animal health research, a compilation of knowledge based on the
utilize and/or develop scientifically-based
advancing our understanding of the current science, practice, and technology
practices, collaborate with the greater
world’s animals and applying that of animal care and welfare on a species-
academic, scientific, and government
knowledge within and outside of by-species basis. Chapters focus on
communities, and widely disseminate
their facilities. areas such as general information,
the knowledge gained. AZA Scientific
ambient environment, habitat design
Advisory Groups advise AZA members
Preventative veterinary assessments, and containment, transport, social
in a wide variety of fields including
including daily observations and data environment, nutrition, veterinary care,
nutrition, behavior, reproduction, and
recording, routine weight monitoring, reproduction, behavior management,
veterinary medicine.
full physical examinations including blood program animals, and research. These
and fecal testing, dental examinations, AZA values superior animal husbandry manuals identify basic requirements,
diet supplementation and vaccinations practices and recognizes that they are best practices, and animal care
ensure that the health of the animals directly related to the advanced level recommendations to maximize capacity
cared for in AZA-accredited zoos and of animal welfare maintained within for excellence in animal care and welfare
aquariums is of the highest quality. accredited zoos and aquariums. Animals and are updated regularly as practices
experience good welfare when healthy, continue to evolve and as scientific
knowledge increases.
RISING TIDE CONSERVATION
Rising Tide Conservation provides alternatives to collecting
ornamental fish from reefs through the development of
innovative aquaculture techniques. The program was initiated
in 2009 by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment; it is currently
supported by over twenty Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) member facilities. Rising Tide involves research in all
aspects of reef fish production—from determining optimal
nutrition for adults to collecting eggs and raising larvae. Regular
communication with producers facilitates integration into
commercial production.
AZA-accredited facilities are the foundation of this program.
These partners promote reef education and provide critical
materials to advance breeding efforts. Determining how to raise
marine fish requires eggs—and eggs require healthy, mature
adult fish. These healthy, reproducing adults are abundant
in display tanks of AZA-accredited aquariums across North The collaboration of AZA-accredited facilities, university
America. Aquarists collect the microscopic eggs and ship them biologists, and industry partners is the strength of this
to experts from the University of Florida for propagation. The program. We will continue to develop techniques for more
biologists feed the larvae, determine the species, and develop species. If you’d like more information, please visit
techniques for raising each species. So far, the program has www.risingtideconservation.org.
successfully raised over 15 species. Four of these species,
including the IUCN endangered Bangaii cardinal fish are now in Judy St. Leger is the Director of Pathology and Research at
commercial production. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE 21Species Survival Plans®
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program began in 1981 as a cooperative
population management program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Today, there are
more than 500 SSPs covering a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Here are
some examples from around the world.
NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH AFRICA
AMERICA AMERICA/ AMERICA Western Lowland
Black Footed CARIBBEAN Andean Bear Gorilla
Ferret Aruba Island Blue Throated Kori Bustard
California Condor Rattlesnake Macaw Grevy’s Zebra
American Burying Mexican Red- Chilean Flamingo Elephant
Beetle kneed Tarantula
Lion
Wyoming Toad Puerto Rican
Lake Victoria
Crested Toad
Cichlids
African Penguin
BLACK-FOOTED FERRET
Once thought extinct, the black-footed
ferret was rediscovered in 1981 and the last
few individuals were brought into facilities
for breeding. The Wyoming Game & Fish
Department and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
partner with the SSP to produce as many kits
as possible for ongoing reintroduction efforts.
Since 1986, over 7,500 ferret kits have been
produced in the SSP and about 5,000
released to the wild.
ARUBA ISLAND RATTLESNAKE
The Aruba Island Rattlesnake SSP is the longest
continuous AZA program for a snake. Since
1986, the SSP has been partnering with the
government of Aruba, Arikok National Park,
and several Aruba NGOs in an effort to preserve
the existing habitat and manage this critically
endangered species.
ANDEAN CONDOR
The Andean Condor SSP has produced
more than 80 Andean condors that have
been released into the wild in Colombia and
Venezuela. Expertise developed in zoos is
assisting with community outreach and training.
The AZA Andean Condor Care Manual has been
translated into Spanish and distributed to the
Colombian zoos to assist in improving their
condor management program.
LION
For over 30 years the Lion SSP has worked with
zoos, scientists, and field conservation projects
to ensure the welfare and sustainability of lions
in zoos and in the wild. The AZA Lion SSP
strives to be a resource that can help all lions by
sharing improved husbandry techniques, using
the latest technology to ensure sustainable
long-term management, and connecting zoos
with lion conservation projects in Africa.
22ASIA INDONESIA EUROPE/ AUSTRALIA
Chinese Alligator Komodo Dragon MIDDLE EAST Little (blue)
Red Panda Micronesian Arabian Oryx Penguin
Red Crowned Kingfisher Slender Horned Queensland Koala
Crane Gazelle Matschies Tree
Indian Rhino Kangaroo
Asian Wild Horse Gray Kangaroo
RED PANDA
The Red Panda SSP has been working with
other zoological regions for over 20 years,
and has recently been established as a
Global Species Management Plan. By working
together as partners in a global effort,
husbandry and management experiences will
be easily shared resulting in a unified approach
to red panda management.
MICRONESIAN KINGFISHER
Twenty-nine Micronesian kingfishers rescued
from Guam became the founders for the
Micronesian Kingfisher SSP. Over the past 30
years, AZA zoos, the Division of Aquatic and
Wildlife Resources facility on Guam, and
dedicated biologists have contributed to the
success of this program. With the zoo
population now exceeding 150 birds, it is time
to again partner with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service to move this endangered species
program onto the next stage of recovery.
AMUR LEOPARD
Quite possibly the most endangered cat in
the world, the wild population consists of
only 30-40 animals. Time is of the essence
for the Amur Leopard SSP to plan breeding
strategies to increase the size and
sustainability of the zoo population. Zoo
and conservation professionals from all
over the world are coming together to
ensure this program’s success.
MATSCHIE’S TREE KANGAROO
The Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo SSP’s flagship
field program, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation
Program, was established in 1996 as a
conservation research project and has evolved
into a collaborative effort involving indigenous
communities, conservation biologists, social
scientists and research institutions.
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE 23You can also read
