...One of the most endangered species of wildlife in the Mayan Forest is the scarlet macaw (Ara macao). Early settlers reported large flocks not only in Peten but in other parts of Guatemala. Today, per-country estimates are a mere 103 in Belize, 137 in Mexico and 159 in Guatemala (Wildlife Conservation Society, [WCS], 2008). This is truly a critically-endangered population, especially considering that the scarlet macaw’s historic range stretches from the southern US to southern Brazil, and includes a Pacific coast population that has been nearly extirpated in Central America.

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ZACC Sponsored Rubondo Island National Park Visits for Mwanza Roots & Shoots Clubs – May 2011

Photos by students and organizers

...The African Otter Outreach Project (AoTOP) and Mwanza District Roots & Shoots Clubs thank ZACC and the Woodland Park Zoo for sponsoring the first field trip for the Roots and Shoots participants in Mwanza District, Tanzania (may 20 – 24, 2011).

...With your generous donation, 15 students, 4 teachers, and the district coordinator were able to go on our first field experience to a national park, Rubondo Island, located in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria.

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The mission of the Zoos and Aquariums: Committing to Conservation conference is to promote increased involvement of zoos and aquariums in support for field conservation- locally, nationally and internationally.

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...The biennial conference provides opportunities for zoo and aquarium personnel and field researchers to meet and develop partnerships that benefit wildlife and wild places around the globe. The informal nature of the conference creates a positive atmosphere for networking and inspires collaborative action.

Historical Perspective:
... The conference was conceptualized, created and hosted by members of the Columbus Zoo staff in 1995. Born out of frustration with what at that time was a lack of commitment towards in situ conservation on the part of most zoos, the Columbus Zoo felt it was a timely enough issue that needed a strong focus.

Past Hosts:
1995 - Columbus Zoo
1997 - Busch Gardens,.Tampa
1999 - San Diego Zoo
2001 - Brevard Zoo
2005 - Brevard Zoo
2007 - Houston Zoo
2009 - Houston Zoo

2011-Woodland Park Zoo

Currently:
...In the last few years many zoos have begun to focus on their respective zoo’s conservation commitment but there are still institutions that have yet to embrace this philosophy. This conference is a starting point for discussion, exchange of information and also a chance to be inspired by our colleagues from the field. Ultimately, our hope is that all zoos and aquariums will be supporting in situ efforts.

2011 ZACC Conference

Seattle, Washington USA March 7th-11th, 2011.

...The Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) once abundant in the dry, spiny forests of southern Madagascar is rapidly nearing extinction with less than 200,000 individuals remaining. This tortoise, known locally as kotroky, is threatened by illicit pet trade, habitat loss, harvesting for international food markets and domestic consumption. At the current rate, wildlife authorities predict the kotroky may become extinct in the wild within the next 5 years.

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info@zaccconference.com