Accredited Zoos and Aquariums Poised to Implement Public Education Program about Oceans; American Zoo and Aquarium Association to Take Action on Preliminary Report from U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy

4/20/2004

From: Pam Rwankole of PCI, 312-558-1770, ext. 8241 or Jane Ballentine of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 301-562-0777, ext. 252

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 20 -- Accredited aquariums and zoos can play a key role in helping the public learn about oceans and their importance, which, according to a preliminary report released today by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, is an urgent public need.

In response to the Commission's recommendation to increase the public's literacy about ocean issues, in 2005 the American Zoo and Aquarium Association will be kicking off a public education campaign to teach people about the interrelationship between humans and the oceans. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will use their animal exhibits, public outreach and special events to educate people that no matter where they live, every person not only depends on the oceans, but also makes an impact on the oceans.

"As accredited aquariums and zoos, we have a critical role in educating the public about wildlife and conservation issues," said Syd Butler, executive director of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). "Each year, more than 142 million people visit an AZA aquarium or zoo, which is more than the attendance at NFL, NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball games combined. We know our visitors are excited about the animals, and we in turn are excited about sharing our knowledge about animals and their habitats with our visitors."

Recent research shows that most Americans are not aware of how much their actions directly affect the oceans. For instance, a common misconception is that industry is the largest source of water pollution. In fact, the biggest sources of water pollution are chemicals that people use on their lawns, gardens and farms and motor oil that people dump into sewers. "We may be unwittingly contributing to the problem, but we can truly be a part of the solution," continued Butler.

"We depend on the oceans for 70 percent of the air we breathe, 50 percent of our country's gross domestic product and 60 million jobs," said Butler, "Right now by helping the oceans, we are quite literally helping ourselves. AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos are uniquely qualified to help carry out the U.S. Ocean Commission's urgent recommendation to educate the public on ocean issues because of their conservation mission, their cadre of scientists and educators and their popularity with the public."

To be accredited by AZA, an aquarium or zoo must have a demonstrated commitment to conservation and to educating the public about wildlife conservation issues. "Millions of people visit AZA aquariums and zoos to have fun, but we also have the responsibility to help them learn how they affect the oceans and how the oceans affect them, whether they live on the coast or in the middle of the country," said Butler.

Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. The 214 accredited members are zoos and aquariums throughout North America, as well as Bermuda and Hong Kong, that have met AZA's accreditation standards.