06/28 ~ Help Save Amphibians during National Conservation Week
Greater Vancouver Zoo – PRESS RELEASE
Date: June 28, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELP SAVE AMPHIBIANS DURING NATIONAL CONSERVATION WEEK
Aldergrove – The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) 25 accredited members across the nation are hosting the third annual National Conservation Week with a special invitation to community members to visit and learn about wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on amphibian conservation.
British Columbians are being asked to help save frogs and other amphibians in this region and around the world from a looming extinction crisis. National Conservation Week at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, June 28-July 5 is an opportunity to learn about the crisis and to get involved.
Experts predict that without massive intervention, up to 80 % of the world’s amphibians will disappear within our lifetime. Zoos and aquariums worldwide have banded together to mount a rescue program and the Greater Vancouver Zoo, together with the other accredited zoos and aquariums in Canada, is participating fully in the effort.
“This is an unprecedented crisis” said Jamie Dorgan, Animal Care Manager. “Unless we take action now this will be the greatest species extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. During National Conservation Week CAZA member institutions across Canada are holding special events, lectures and presentations about the crisis, what is being done about it and how Canadians can get involved. I urge you to visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo to learn more, to make a donation to support the cause, and to get involved.”
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has planned daily Frog Talks at 2:30 pm near the Info Booth, where you can learn more about the frog and amphibian crisis and how you may out help out.
The amphibian extinction crisis is caused by a number of factors – climate change, loss of habitat, pollution, over-harvesting, and now by a deadly fungus disease – chytrid fungus – that decimates up to 80% of an infected population within a matter of months. There is no known cure for the disease in the wild at this stage, and the international rescue program is putting in place isolation facilities to house still-healthy animals and sustain them in a breeding population until such time as they can be returned to a safe, healthy environment in the wild.
British Columbians can help in this crucial effort by donating to CAZA’s conservation fund at the zoo or by going online to www.caza.ca, by learning what individuals can do to support amphibian populations, and by joining local groups that are working to support and expand frog and amphibian populations that are in danger.
Canadian zoos and aquariums have put in place a multi-faceted program to deal with the crisis. They are introducing a health monitoring program, supporting recovery teams in the field, building capacity to help amphibians over the long term, and inspiring Canadians to take personal action to help out.
Although the amphibian crisis may seem overwhelming, average Canadians can take direct personal action to influence the well-being of amphibians. Unlike many endangered or threatened animals amphibians are found in every part of Canada. To help, Canadians can:
· Join FrogWatch and help increase our knowledge of frogs and toads.
http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/frogwatch/on/intro.html
· “Adopt” a local wetland by entering it into a Canada-wide registry database or link up with a local conservation organization.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo plays an important role in the amphibian rescue program as well – we have been participating in the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Program since the inception in 1999, when the frog received the status of Critically Endangered. We were the first organization to become involved in this crucial recovery program.
CAZA institutions are heavily involved in conservation projects involving a broad range of species, in the research necessary to support that conservation, and in delivering education programs to acquaint Canadians with its importance to species survival. A recent survey revealed that CAZA member institutions nurture, protect and care for more than 100,000 animals representing over 2,000 species. Often these animals are the last representatives of endangered species that survive because of zoo and aquarium captive animal management programs.
CAZA members participate in close to 800 ex-situ programs and are directly involved in 20 field projects, most linked directly to reintroduction programs,
CAZA’s Canadian Collection Plan is a series of long-term breeding and conservation projects that provide insurance policies against extinction for key Canadian endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot, Oregon Spotted Frog, Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Wolverine, Black-Footed Ferret and others.
Canadian zoos and aquariums are involved in in-situ programs in Canada and around the world. In 2005 they took part in over 60 projects that since their inception were supported by expenditures of $1,750,000. In some cases, the contribution is monetary, in other cases professional staff and resources from the institutions are directly involved in doing the work.
CAZA is the national voice of the zoo and aquarium community in Canada. Representing the 25 leading zoos and aquariums in Canada its purpose is to promote the welfare of wildlife, to advance related science and conservation and to foster public engagement in the preservation of our natural heritage. For more information, visit www.caza.ca or contact:
Bill Peters Jamie Dorgan
National Director Animal Care Manager
CAZA Greater Vancouver Zoo
Ph. 613 567-0099 x 242 604.856.6825 ext 32
Email bpeters@caza.ca Email: jdorgan@gvzoo.com
Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo
visit us at: www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!
Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!
Date: June 28, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELP SAVE AMPHIBIANS DURING NATIONAL CONSERVATION WEEK
Aldergrove – The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) 25 accredited members across the nation are hosting the third annual National Conservation Week with a special invitation to community members to visit and learn about wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on amphibian conservation.
British Columbians are being asked to help save frogs and other amphibians in this region and around the world from a looming extinction crisis. National Conservation Week at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, June 28-July 5 is an opportunity to learn about the crisis and to get involved.
Experts predict that without massive intervention, up to 80 % of the world’s amphibians will disappear within our lifetime. Zoos and aquariums worldwide have banded together to mount a rescue program and the Greater Vancouver Zoo, together with the other accredited zoos and aquariums in Canada, is participating fully in the effort.
“This is an unprecedented crisis” said Jamie Dorgan, Animal Care Manager. “Unless we take action now this will be the greatest species extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. During National Conservation Week CAZA member institutions across Canada are holding special events, lectures and presentations about the crisis, what is being done about it and how Canadians can get involved. I urge you to visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo to learn more, to make a donation to support the cause, and to get involved.”
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has planned daily Frog Talks at 2:30 pm near the Info Booth, where you can learn more about the frog and amphibian crisis and how you may out help out.
The amphibian extinction crisis is caused by a number of factors – climate change, loss of habitat, pollution, over-harvesting, and now by a deadly fungus disease – chytrid fungus – that decimates up to 80% of an infected population within a matter of months. There is no known cure for the disease in the wild at this stage, and the international rescue program is putting in place isolation facilities to house still-healthy animals and sustain them in a breeding population until such time as they can be returned to a safe, healthy environment in the wild.
British Columbians can help in this crucial effort by donating to CAZA’s conservation fund at the zoo or by going online to www.caza.ca, by learning what individuals can do to support amphibian populations, and by joining local groups that are working to support and expand frog and amphibian populations that are in danger.
Canadian zoos and aquariums have put in place a multi-faceted program to deal with the crisis. They are introducing a health monitoring program, supporting recovery teams in the field, building capacity to help amphibians over the long term, and inspiring Canadians to take personal action to help out.
Although the amphibian crisis may seem overwhelming, average Canadians can take direct personal action to influence the well-being of amphibians. Unlike many endangered or threatened animals amphibians are found in every part of Canada. To help, Canadians can:
· Join FrogWatch and help increase our knowledge of frogs and toads.
http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/frogwatch/on/intro.html
· “Adopt” a local wetland by entering it into a Canada-wide registry database or link up with a local conservation organization.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo plays an important role in the amphibian rescue program as well – we have been participating in the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Program since the inception in 1999, when the frog received the status of Critically Endangered. We were the first organization to become involved in this crucial recovery program.
CAZA institutions are heavily involved in conservation projects involving a broad range of species, in the research necessary to support that conservation, and in delivering education programs to acquaint Canadians with its importance to species survival. A recent survey revealed that CAZA member institutions nurture, protect and care for more than 100,000 animals representing over 2,000 species. Often these animals are the last representatives of endangered species that survive because of zoo and aquarium captive animal management programs.
CAZA members participate in close to 800 ex-situ programs and are directly involved in 20 field projects, most linked directly to reintroduction programs,
CAZA’s Canadian Collection Plan is a series of long-term breeding and conservation projects that provide insurance policies against extinction for key Canadian endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot, Oregon Spotted Frog, Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Wolverine, Black-Footed Ferret and others.
Canadian zoos and aquariums are involved in in-situ programs in Canada and around the world. In 2005 they took part in over 60 projects that since their inception were supported by expenditures of $1,750,000. In some cases, the contribution is monetary, in other cases professional staff and resources from the institutions are directly involved in doing the work.
CAZA is the national voice of the zoo and aquarium community in Canada. Representing the 25 leading zoos and aquariums in Canada its purpose is to promote the welfare of wildlife, to advance related science and conservation and to foster public engagement in the preservation of our natural heritage. For more information, visit www.caza.ca or contact:
Bill Peters Jamie Dorgan
National Director Animal Care Manager
CAZA Greater Vancouver Zoo
Ph. 613 567-0099 x 242 604.856.6825 ext 32
Email bpeters@caza.ca Email: jdorgan@gvzoo.com
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Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo
visit us at: www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!
Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!
