Conservation is a popular word at the zoo. It is part of the zoo’s mission and goals to focus on conservation and involvement at all levels in restoration, preservation and reintroduction programs.

Your Akron Zoo plays an active role in several conservation projects by committing funds, staff time and exhibit space in support of these programs. The zoo designates 1 percent of all gate receipts and donations from the wishing well to the Akron Zoo’s Conservation Fund. The monies from this fund are used to support field research, preserve habitat and develop education programs. 

The Venezuelan Waterfowl Foundation is a good example of an in situ (in the field) project on an international scale. The Foundation was actually formed as a result of our staff’s efforts in working with conservationists in Venezuela and other accredited institutions within the zoo community. The Foundation focuses on the conservation of the Andean river systems and is researching the illusive torrent duck. Doug Piekarz, vice president of collections, and Dr. Gary Riggs, zoo veterinarian, act as advisors to the Foundation. The zoo has helped fund a field  researcher and the development and implementation of environmental education programs.The Waterfowl TAG is supporting the work of the Venezuelan Waterfowl Foundation to increase public awareness and education in Venezuela. The project is also working to research primary natural history and behavior of this species in the wild.

On a national level, your Akron Zoo is involved in the White Winged Wood Duck Conservation project. Dr. Riggs began a research project in 2002 to identify the medical problems that appear to plague the captive population of this critically endangered bird. The results of this intensive study, which was supported by the Akron Zoo, National Aviary in Pittsburgh and International Wild Waterfowl Association will result in new recommendations for the captive management of this endangered species in the spring of 2004.

On a state level, the zoo participates in the Butterfly Conservation Initiative. In 2003, the zoo partnered with the other Ohio Zoos, the Wilds and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association to help create a butterfly habitat at the Wilds. Ten acres of open grassland and meadow habitat were planted, creating a suitable site to support a variety of resident and migrant butterfly species. A walking trail and interpretive signage were also developed to make the habitat accessible to visitors. The Ohio Zoos received a generous grant from the George Gund Foundation to help fund this restoration project, as well as funding education programs and activities at each of the zoos.

And finally, the zoo is involved with conservation projects locally. One of the local projects is the Audubon Christmas Bird Census. The annual bird count is a national effort that people can do on a local level. The program is coordinated by the National Audubon Society to document wintering bird populations across the United States. In 2003, participants from the Akron Zoo donated 18.5 hours for the census. The volunteers observed a total of 28 species, and counted 2,568 individual birds.

These are just a sampling of the projects your zoo is involved in to help conserve wildlife and wild places. Your support of the zoo’s conversation programs through the renewal of your membership help make participation in these projects possible. Thank you for your support.