THE ROLE OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS IN CONSERVATION
Zoos and aquariums in the U.S. have had an incredible evolution into the conservation realm. Over the pass several decades, they have become beacons for conservation, education, and in-situ ecological research. Likewise, modern zoological ethics observe the welfare of individual animals as well as the stewardship of species and habitat. North American zoo and aquarium memberships and visitation represent more than 140 million people per year who receive a strong conservation message while connecting with wildlife in enriching habitats.
Originally, many zoological societies saw their conservation programs in distant and exotic places like Africa or Asia. Realizing that North America is faced with challenges and conservation needs equal to developing countries, many of them are now bringing their conservation dollars and initiatives home.
The Zoological Society of San Diego has just incorporated a large North American conservation focus into their strategic planning, and the Philadelphia Zoo has been instrumental in funding jaguar habitat acquisition on the U.S. border in northern Mexico. As more and more of these institutions invest in their own backyard, Wildlands Project and other conservation groups will welcome their efforts for North American conservation. Here are some Zoo partnerships that Wildlands Project has been fortunate to forge over the last several years. We are very grateful to them for their support and look forward to collaborating on forthcoming conservation work.
SAN DIEGO ZOO AND WILD ANIMAL PARK
- Undertakes science and in-situ research in support of large-scale continental conservation
- Honored Dr. Michael Soule', Wildlands Project founder and current Board Chair, with their 2007 Annual Conservation Medal Award
- Contributes financial support to Wildlands Project through conservation grants
- Participates in joint grant applications
- Includes Wildlands Project and large-scale continental conservation interpretation in Zoo signage and literature
DENVER ZOO
- Contributed to and co-published the Southern Rockies Wildlands Network Design
- Provides logistical support for Wildlands Project meetings
- Undertakes science and in-situ research in support of large-scale continental conservation
- Honored David Johns, Wildlands Project founder and current Board member, with their Annual Conservation Award
- Supports Wildlands Project and their partners in Zoo literature
- Contribute financial support to Wildlands Project through conservation grants
PHILADELPHIA ZOO
- Contributes financial support to Wildlands Project through conservation grants
- Contributed funds towards the purchase of Zetasora, a 45,000 acre parcel of land in Mexico for jaguar habitat, as well as jaguar conservation equipment and staff
- Supports Wildlands Project and jaguar conservation on Zoo website and literature
HOGEL ZOO
- Contributes financial support to Wildlands Project through their conservation grants
- Supports Wildlands Project and jaguar conservation on Zoo website
BREVARD ZOO
- Contributes financial support to Wildlands Project through keeper fundraisers
- Supported Zetasora, a 45,000 acre parcel of land in Mexico for jaguar habitat through the Zoo’s environmental education suitcase program
PHOENIX ZOO
- Supports Wildlands Project and Mexican wolf conservation on their website
- Currently navigating 2008 partnership with Wildlands Project
OREGON ZOO
- Hosted for Wildlands Project The 2008 Wild & Scenic Film Festival sponsored by Patagonia
- Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio, sits on the Wildlands Project Board of Directors
TUCSON’S REID PARK ZOO
- Provides logistical support for Wildlands Project Meetings
- Currently navigating 2008 partnership with Wildlands Project
- Works with Wildlands Project on jaguar and thick-billed parrot conservation
ALBUQUERQUE BIOLOGICAL PARK
- Provides logistical support for Wildlands Project Meetings
