Facts and Figures

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Facts and Figures FACTS AND FIGURES OVERVIEW The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and the 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating. MISSION Lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. VISION The sustainable co-existence of all living things. SIZE The Zoo complex spans 588 acres, more than 200 of which have been developed as animal habitats and public spaces. The Zoo habitats are organized into six geographic regions: Asia Quest, Australia and the Islands, Congo Expedition, Heart of Africa, North America and Polar Frontier, and Shores. The newest region, Heart of Africa, is designed as a mixed species savanna spanning 23 acres. ATTENDANCE The Zoo serves as one of central Ohio’s most popular family attractions and hosts more than two million visitors annually. The Zoo experienced a record-breaking attendance in 2014 with 2.47 million visitors (not including the attendance for Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf or the Wilds). ADMISSION AND MEMBERSHIP RATES In consideration of the Franklin County taxpayers who provide support for the Zoo, a non-profit organization, the Zoo offers these residents special admission prices and membership rates, weekly promotions, and educational programs for free or a reduced price. (Recipients must show proof of their Franklin County residence.) General admission (effective April 1, 2015): Children under 3 years old: Free Youth (ages 3-9 years): $12.99 ($9.99 for Franklin County residents) General (ages 10-59 years): $17.99 ($14.99 for Franklin County residents) Seniors (ages 60+ years): $12.99 ($9.99 for Franklin County residents) Parking is $8 per vehicle. Admission and parking is free for Columbus Zoo members. Prices are subject to change. Year-round promotions: Franklin County residents are admitted at half price every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Senior citizens are admitted at half price every Tuesday. Military (active and non-active) personnel receive a $2 discount on admission for up to six tickets every day of the week. Recipients must show proof of military service. Educational group pricing: Admission for Franklin County school field trips is $2 per person. Admission for school groups outside of Franklin County is $4 per person. Free in-school educational programs are available for all Franklin County schools. Membership: In 2014, a total of 87,210 households – representing 457,971 individuals – participated in the Zoo’s membership program. The Zoo offers six types of standard membership packages, with prices ranging from $49 for an Individual membership (admits one adult) to $149 for a Family Plus membership (admits two adults, their dependent children or non-adult grandchildren, and two guests). Franklin County residents receive a $20 discount on Family and Family Plus memberships. Members get free admission to the Columbus Zoo, as well as free or reduced admission to more than 100 AZA-accredited zoos in Ohio and across the country; free parking; free subscription to the Zoo member magazine and e-newsletter; exclusive invitations to members- only events; priority registration for educational programs; and a 10-percent discount at the Zoo gift shops. Members also get discounts on Zoombezi Bay tickets and on membership packages to the Wilds. In addition to these perks, gold members enjoy free rides* in the Zoo and at Jungle Jack’s Landing as well as admission to Zoombezi Bay when in operation. *Excludes camel rides. Complete pricing details and perks are available on the Zoo’s “Visit” page (www.columbuszoo.org/visit/membership-rates). HOURS OF OPERATION The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days of the year, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The hours are as follows: January: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. February: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning May 23) June: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 20 for Zoofari) July: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. August: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. September: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 1-7) October: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Extended hours during Boo at the Zoo) November: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wildlights Hours: 5-9 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 5-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.) December: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wildlights Hours: 5-9 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 5-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.) *Hours are subject to change. GOVERNANCE The Columbus Zoological Park Association is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. It has a 125-member Association Board that meets quarterly. The 22-member Board of Directors meets monthly to oversee the operations of the Zoo. The tax levy receipts received by the Zoo are administered by a public Appointed Board that consists of 18 members; six members are designated by the City of Columbus, six by the Franklin County Commissioners and six by the Columbus Zoological Park Association. CONSERVATION In 2014, the Columbus Zoo’s Conservation Grants Program and Partners in Conservation awarded more than $2 million of privately raised funds to program support for 70 conservation projects in 30 countries. This money is raised from restricted donations, conservation fundraisers and coins donated by Zoo visitors. The Zoo participates in a number of conservation programs. One of these programs is the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, through which the Zoo has cared for more than 20 manatees. The program offers an exciting second chance for manatees found struggling in the wild to grow strong under human care and be released back into Florida waters. The Zoo also participates in Species Survival Plans (SSP) for various species, one of which is for the western lowland gorilla. Through the SSP, the Zoo strives to maintain a sustainable population of these endangered great apes in North America. After famously raising the world’s first gorilla to be born in human care, Colo, the Zoo has become internationally recognized for caring for gorillas in social groups. The Zoo has also become a leader in the gorilla surrogacy program, successfully finding families for young gorillas that were abandoned by their birth mothers. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH The Columbus Zoo Education Department offers fun and engaging programs for all ages. In 2014, the Zoo’s education team offered more than 2,000 programs to more than 300,000 participants. Such programs include preschool classes, field trips, summer camps, overnight outings, scout and teen programs, adult and teacher workshops and more. Because accessibility plays an important role in the Zoo’s mission to inspire, the Zoo offers scholarships for many of the education programs. These scholarships are made possible through donations submitted directly to the Education Department. STAFF The Zoo’s staff is comprised of about 260 full-time and 20 year-round part-time team members. The entire park (including Zoombezi Bay) employs about 2,070 seasonal team members. VOLUNTEERS Various volunteer groups work together to promote the Zoo’s education, recreation and conservation missions. Docents, who must be at least 21 years old and who are required to complete a nine-week training program, educate visitors and conduct scheduled tours of the Zoo. Adult volunteers, ages 18 years and older, assist in the Zoo’s animal contact areas, including the Kangaroo Walkabout, Touch Pool, Reptile Keeper Lab, My Barn at Habitat Hollow, and the lorikeet and Asia Quest aviaries. The teen volunteer program, ZooAides, focuses on customer service by assisting in the animal contact areas and with educational programs. ANIMAL POPULATION The animal care experts at the Zoo care for more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species. Of these species, about 30 are endangered and about a dozen are threatened. RIDES, SHOWS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS Some attractions require a small additional fee not included in Zoo admission. Zoo-It-All wristbands, which provide unlimited daily access to all but the camel rides, are available for purchase. Rides and shows are seasonal and available weather permitting. Pirate Island Making its debut in 2015, Pirate Island puts a new spin on the popular seasonal boat tour through the Australia and the Islands region. At Pirate Island, the animals are the treasures – and they are in danger of being exploited by a menacing band of “Purple Pillagers.” Fortunately, the green “Pirates of the Planet” have come to the rescue. The experience takes guests through an epic battle involving dozens of realistic animatronic pirates, expertly crafted by The ScareFactory, a Columbus company. Unlike the Dinosaur Island boat ride attraction, the Pirate Island characters are owned by the Zoo and will serve purposes beyond the boat ride attraction. Pirate Island is open from 9 a.m. until the Zoo closes, from mid-May to Labor Day and on weekends through October. Admission is $3 after entry into the Zoo, $2 for Zoo members and free for Zoo Gold members as well as those with Zoo-It-All wristbands. Playgrounds Stings, Wings N’ Play Things Park: Located between the Congo Expedition region and the Australia and the Islands region and is open from early March through October.
Recommended publications
  • Performing Animals in Chinese Zoos August 2010
    Performing Animals in Chinese Zoos August 2010 Compiled by David Neale, Animal Welfare Director Lisa Yang, Animal Welfare Officer 1. Methodology From September 2009 to August 2010, Animals Asia investigators visited 13 safari parks and zoos across China to document wild animal performances. The information and photographs obtained from this investigation are summarised below. Video footage taken during the investigations has been used to produce a short film entitled „The Performance‟ available via the Animals Asia website www.animalsasia.org 2. Executive Summary Wild animal performances are common at captive animal establishments across China. All thirteen establishments visited in 2009/10 put on performances of one kind or another with many drawing in large crowds. Asiatic Black Bears are the most popular performance animal, present at 90% of parks; 75% of parks exhibit performing monkeys; 75% of parks exhibit performing tigers; 50% of parks exhibit performing sea-lion; Five parks put on bird performances; four parks exhibit performing elephants and two parks have a dedicated dolphinarium for marine mammal performances. During the wild animal performances animals are forced through fear, intimidation and in some cases physical force to perform unnatural tricks. 75% of parks force bears to ride bicycles; 50% of parks force bears to perform acrobatics on acrobatic rings; three parks force bears to ride a motorbike over a high wire 30ft above the ground; two parks force bears to „box‟ with each other; one park exhibits a human wrestling with a bear; 75% of parks force monkeys to ride bicycles; 50% force monkeys to perform handstands on the horns of goats, often while the goat is balancing on a tightrope some 10ft above the ground; the most common tiger acts force tigers to walk on their back legs, jump through hoops of fire and walk on top of large balls; Elephants were seen at four parks performing uncomfortable and humiliating tricks such as standing on their heads, and spinning on one leg.
    [Show full text]
  • Safari Park Food Policy
    Safari Park Food Policy Widespread and sparsest Paolo westernized insatiately and encrypts his stalag staunchly and nuttily. Simular IsDru Vic omen aureate or gauffer or laic someafter power cornstone Stefano elusively, uppercut however so pestiferously? low-pressure Wynton peculiarized duty-free or chortled. What are treated to weigh the lines and african safari park, we do have gone digital map online and safari park vs zoo, as the solicitation of park, jack and service Nature Play Pavilion during your inner WILD visit! Pets into all abilities are high bushes so fortunate to safari park food policy? Our goat and know you are prohibited from for north carolina zoo is a thrilling experience is here and safari park food policy, to feed our daily admission? Can be permitted, can always wash or safari park food policy enactment is where you about two hours. Operating hours are subject matter change clothes to inclement weather. This policy and safari park food policy and food provided that. Our hours of operations vary on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Zoo renovations and construction. Where were the nearest town? Most have minimum age limits. Is as they require a safari park food policy: from any person with proper trash in life, regardless of their service dog, entertainment can reach afternoon. You the fort worth of our ticket booth upon the main entrance and wait in your pet to safari park food policy enactment is one exception of. The Safari Park to many restaurants and food kiosks, but park fare can stretch a bit pricey. Can weed smoke in addition zoo? Amazon River Quest simulates the experience always a boat expedition down Amazon River where visitors can gift the various animals in naturalistic habitats.
    [Show full text]
  • RECIPROCAL LIST from YOUR ORGANIZATION and CALL N (309) 681-3500 US at (309) 681-3500 to CONFIRM
    RECIPROCAL LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS RULES & POLICIES Enjoy a day or weekend trip Here are some important rules and to these local reciprocal zoos: policies regarding reciprocal visits: • FREE means free general admission and 50% off means 50% off general Less than 2 Hours Away: admission rates. Reciprocity applies to A Peoria Park District Facility the main facility during normal operating Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL: days and hours. May exclude special Peoria Zoo members receive 50% off admission. exhibits or events requiring extra fees. RECIPROCAL Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield, IL: • A membership card & photo ID are Peoria Zoo members receive FREE admission. always required for each cardholder. LIST Scovill Zoo, Decatur, IL: • If you forgot your membership card Peoria Zoo members receive 50% off admission. at home, please call the Membership Office at (309) 681-3500. Please do this a few days in advance of your visit. More than 2 Hours Away: • The number of visitors admitted as part of a Membership may vary depending St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO: on the policies and level benefits of Peoria Zoo members receive FREE general the zoo or aquarium visited. (Example, admission and 50% off Adventure Passes. some institutions may limit number of children, or do not allow “Plus” guests.) Milwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee, WI: Peoria Zoo members receive FREE admission. • This list may change at anytime. Please call each individual zoo or aquarium Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL: BEFORE you visit to confirm details and restrictions! Peoria Zoo members receive FREE general admission and 10% off retail and concessions. DUE TO COVID-19, SOME FACILITIES Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, IL: MAY NOT BE PARTICIPATING.
    [Show full text]
  • The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Please note the Africa Tram is not included with school admission tickets. You must have purchased a separate Africa Tram ticket to experience this attraction. Here are a couple of tips to help you make the most of your day. Chaperones, please share these insider tips with your students. 1. Chaperones, please stay with your students at all times. The Safari Park is a large and exciting place and it is easy to get separated. Lost chaperones are brought to Ranger Base (indicated on reverse) to meet up with your students. 2. For best viewing of our animals, please use low voices, do not bang on the glass and try not to run. The animals will move away or hide from loud noise and fast movements. 3. If you want to feed our animals, please visit Lorikeet Landing (from 10:00 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. Lorikeet food is available for purchase, 10 students at a time), The other animals are on special diets and people food might make them sick. 4. If you want to pet our animals, please visit our Petting Kraal. Your teacher must schedule a visit time if you are visiting October 1st- 31st and May 11th - April 23rd. 5. Have a good time, take lots of pictures and ask questions. Safari Park staff are happy to assist. To further enhance your visit, you may want to see one of our shows or meet one of our animal ambassadors up close by seeing an Animal Encounter.
    [Show full text]
  • Lee G. Simmons WILDLIFE SAFARI Park Guide
    lee g. simmons WILDLIFE SAFARI park guide Rules of the Road Emergency Information Speed limit is 7 mph We are a TOBACCO FREE park First Aid is available at the Visitor Center and Hands on Corral. For Emergency (402) 944-9453 Stay in your car, except in Absolutely no littering Service, contact any Wildlife Safari Park employee or call . designated areas Animals always have the right-of-way Do NOT feed the animals Pets allowed in designated area located Stop only in designated pull-offs by the Visitor Center Prairie Dog Town No motorcycles, semis or bikes No passengers or pets in bed of Prairie dogs are a common sight across the great plains pickup trucks of North America. Whether you are just starting your Hollis & Helen Baright Foundation journey or have already driven through Wildlife Safari Park, Visitor 's Center this 2,100 square foot exhibit provides a glimpse into Hollis & Helen Baright Foundation Visitor's Center offers small-town life on the prairie. guests a chance to enjoy a drink and snack outside of the car. There is also a Restroom and Gift Shop with stuffed Lee & Helene Sapp Family animals, t-shirts, toys, post-cards and more. A small Elk Meadows mammals and birds exhibit, prairie dog exhibit and The rst and last exhibit on the drive-thru adventure at playground are located outside of the Visitor Center. Wildlife Safari Park is Lee & Helene Sapp Family Elk Meadows. The 50 acre exhibit features American elk Memberships and prairie grasslands as well as two ponds and shade trees.
    [Show full text]
  • Re-Birth of Paris Zoo | P 3 Project Seahorse | P 5 the Ocean Project | P 8 )
    February 1/12 2012 Re-birth of Paris Zoo | p 3 Project Seahorse | p 5 The Ocean Project | p 8 ). Hippocampus histrix © Bettina Balnis / Guylian Seahorses of the World 2010k World Seahorses of the Guylian © Bettina Balnis / Thorny seahorse ( WAZA news 1/12 Gerald Dick Contents Editorial 77 Years: Happy New Year to You Happy Birthday WAZA! ............ 2 and Happy Birthday WAZA! The Re-Birth of Paris Zoo .......... 3 Saving Seahorses ..................... 5 I wish all WAZA members and friends The Ocean Project....................8 of WAZA a very Happy New Year and New Gorilla Council all the best for your conservation Established ............................11 endeavours! My Career: This year is a very special one, because Helmut Pechlaner .................. 14 it is 77 years ago that an International WAZA Interview: Association of Directors of Zoologi‑ Debra Erickson ...................... 18 cal Gardens was formally established Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical in Basel. After working more than one © Michal Stránský Gardens in Mesoamerica ........ 20 and a half years in the dusty archives Gerald Dick during interview, Prague. Book Reviews .........................21 of WAZA’s executive office and after Thailand Flooding ...................22 organizing input of past WAZA presi‑ Year of the Bat Activities .........23 dents and prominent figures of the zoo This Anniversary Edition of WAZA News Announcements .................... 30 and aquarium community, the book is covers an unusual variety of contribu‑ World Zoo & Aquarium printed and available: “77 Years – The tions, ranging from gorilla conservation Conservation Database ...........32 History and Evolution of the World to seahorses and the Ocean project to Obstacles to Global Association of Zoos and Aquariums, bats conservation contributions to five Population Management .......
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 1 Licensed Zoos Zoo 1 Licensing Authority Macduff Marine
    Appendix 1 Licensed zoos Zoo 1 Licensing Authority Macduff Marine Aquarium Aberdeenshire Council Lake District Coast Aquarium Allerdale Borough Council Lake District Wildlife Park (Formally Trotters) Allerdale Borough Council Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary Argyll & Bute Council Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Arun Distict Council Wildlife Heritage Foundation Ashford Borough Council Canterbury Oast Trust, Rare Breeds Centre Ashford Borough Council (South of England Rare Breeds Centre) Waddesdon Manor Aviary Aylesbury Vale District Council Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre Aylesbury Vale District Council Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Safari Zoo (Formally South Lakes Wild Animal Barrow Borough Council Park) Barleylands Farm Centre Basildon District Council Wetlands Animal Park Bassetlaw District Council Chew Valley Country Farms Bath & North East Somerset District Council Avon Valley Country Park Bath & North East Somerset District Council Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park Birmingham City Council National Sea Life Centre Birmingham City Council Blackpool Zoo Blackpool Borough Council Sea Life Centre Blackpool Borough Council Festival Park Owl Sanctuary Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Smithills Open Farm Bolton Council Bolton Museum Aquarium Bolton Council Animal World Bolton Council Oceanarium Bournemouth Borough Council Banham Zoo Ltd Breckland District Council Old MacDonalds Educational & Leisure Park Brentwood Borough Council Sea Life Centre Brighton & Hove City Council Blue Reef Aquarium Bristol City
    [Show full text]
  • Media Release Beach Takes Extinction by the Horns with Southern White Rhino Sponsorship
    Beach Energy Limited | Level 8, 80 Flinders Street Adelaide, South Australia 5000 GPO Box 175, Adelaide, South Australia 5001 | beachenergy.com.au Media release Beach takes extinction by the horns with Southern White Rhino sponsorship Date Tuesday 26 November 2019 Beach Energy has announced a new partnership with Monarto Safari Park, supporting the iconic Southern White Rhinos, helping to safeguard the future of the much-loved and endangered species. The partnership includes support for the Australian Rhino Project, which involves the future relocation of eight Southern White Rhinos from South Africa to Monarto Safari Park, adding to the Park’s current population of five. Beach Energy Managing Director Matt Kay said the partnership with Monarto Safari Park is exciting for the company and continues its long partnership with Zoos SA. “Beach Energy is thrilled to support the Southern White Rhinos and enhance the conservation efforts around these beloved creatures so they can be enjoyed by future generations,” Mr Kay said. “We are very lucky to have such a world-class facility in Monarto Safari Park right here on our doorstep, it is a great place for families to enjoy and learn about endangered and near-threatened animals like the Southern White Rhino.” Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said Zoos SA is currently working with The Australian Rhino Project and other partners to create a rhino sanctuary at Monarto Safari Park. “Securing Beach Energy as a major partner is a coup for Monarto Safari Park and is great endorsement of our conservation efforts,” said Elaine. “Beach Energy’s support is helping us to safeguard the future of Southern White Rhinos and is greatly appreciated.
    [Show full text]
  • Ending Extinction
    Ending Extinction Arizona State Standards: HS.L2U3.18; HS+B.L4U1.2 Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park and zoos around the world share a mission of conserving species for generations to come. In today’s world many species are impacted by human activity. Some species have come to adapt to human presence, but others have diminished to the point of extinction in natural habitats. With the help of zoos, some of these species have incredible success stories. Captive breeding programs have enabled the return to natural habitats of numerous species that were once extinct, and the continued efforts of zoos has helped to boost natural populations. Today you will be introduced to some of the species that humans have successfully helped to reestablish natural populations. However, some species have not been so lucky. We hope that you will make small changes in your life to ensure fewer species face extinction in the future. Simply reducing your use of trash and plastics, reusing any items you can, and recycling can make a big difference on the biosphere. A few examples of species that have been repopulated with the help of captive breeding programs include: Southern White Rhinoceros Arabian Oryx Scimitar Horned Oryx Black-footed Ferret California Condor Golden Lion Tamarin Project: For this assignment you will be researching one of the success stories above or finding your own success story. When researching consider the following: What was done to encourage the species population to grow? Does the species life history (life expectancy, time span in between births, mating rituals, etc) help or harm the species in terms of needing to quickly repopulate What threats does the species face and are those threats increasing or decreasing? Consider both human threats and natural threats.
    [Show full text]
  • Ocean Theme Parks
    OCEAN THEME PARKS: A Look Inside China’s Growing Captive Cetacean Industry INSIDE 1 China Cetacean Alliance and Members 3 Abbreviations 3 Glossary 4 Review Methodology 5 Executive Summary 6 Recommendations China Cetacean Alliance 8 Introduction to Cetaceans 822, Guofengmeitang 5th Building 10 Ocean Theme Parks in China Kexing W Rd 12 Cetaceans in Captivity in China Changping District, Beijing 14 Captive Breeding Post code: 102208 Phone: 010-53385857 15 Conservation, Education and Research Email: [email protected] 17 Use of Cetaceans for Public Entertainment 21 Animal Management and its Contribution to Welfare Photos 23 Accidents and Illnesses DMangus: page 1; Edita Magileviciute/GVI: page 8; 24 Deaths China Cetacean Alliance: all others 25 Live Capture 26 Chinese National Government Regulations Cover: A beluga waits behind a gate whilst other belugas 31 Conclusion perform in a show at Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean World. 32 References Back cover: A dolphin at Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. 33 Appendices OCEAN THEME PARKS: A Look Inside China’s Growing Captive Cetacean Industry BY THE CHINA CETACEAN ALLIANCE The China Cetacean Alliance is a coalition of international animal number of wild-caught cetaceans held within these facilities continues protection and conservation organisations, comprising the Animal to increase. Alliance members have documented the arrival of over Welfare Institute, Endangered Species Fund, Environment & Animal 250 wild-caught cetaceans into Chinese ocean theme parks since Society Taiwan, Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, Kuroshio 2010. Captive breeding of cetaceans in these ocean theme parks has Ocean Education Foundation, Marine Connection, Nature University been largely unsuccessful to date. and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • Monmouth University Poll NATIONAL: SUPPORT for CIRCUS
    Please attribute this information to: Monmouth University Poll West Long Branch, NJ 07764 www.monmouth.edu/polling Follow on Twitter: @MonmouthPoll _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Released: Contacts: Wednesday, March 20, 2019 PATRICK MURRAY; 732-263-5858 [email protected] RANDALL ABATE; 732-571-3641 [email protected] LINDSAY MEHRKAM; 732-263-5144 [email protected] NATIONAL: SUPPORT FOR CIRCUS ANIMAL BAN Opinion is divided on public role of other wildlife exhibitions West Long Branch, NJ – A majority of Americans feel that circus animals are rarely treated well and support a ban on using wild animals in circuses. The Monmouth University Poll also finds that most, but by no means all, Americans believe that wild animals in aquariums, zoos, safari parks, and marine parks are generally well-treated. However, the public is divided on whether the main role of these exhibits is to focus on education or entertainment. A majority of Americans (54%) would favor a law to prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses, while 34% would oppose such a law. Politically self-described liberals (72%) are much more likely than conservatives (42%) to support banning wild animal acts, with moderates (56%) falling in the middle. Women (60%) are more supportive of a ban than men (48%), while adults under the age of 35 years old (65%) are more likely to support such a ban than are those aged 35 to 54 (53%) or 55 and older (47%). There is not much difference in support levels for a ban on circus animal acts when the opinions of those who have been to a circus in the past ten years (50%) are compared with those who have not visited a circus (56%).
    [Show full text]
  • ATIC0786 {By Email}
    Animal and Plant Health Agency T 01932 341111 Access to Information Team F 01932 357608 Weybourne Building Ground Floor Woodham Lane www.gov.uk/apha New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Our Ref: ATIC0786 {By Email} 5 February 2016 Dear PROVISION OF REQUESTED INFORMATION Thank you for your request for information about zoos, which we received on 18 January 2016. Your request has been handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The information you requested and our response is detailed below: “I've been trying to compile a complete list of the zoological collections of the British Isles. I was wondering whether you would be able to provide me with a list of all premises which currently hold a zoo licence, and all former zoo licence holders too.” See Appendix 1 for a list that APHA hold on currently licensed zoos in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), as at 18 January 2016 (date of request). See Appendix 2 for a list that APHA hold on closed zoos in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), as at 18 January 2016 (date of request). This data is not complete as zoos typically get deleted from APHA’s database once it becomes inactive. Please note that Local Authorities’ Trading Standards departments are responsible for administering zoo licensing under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, and APHA are only responsible for maintaining a list of zoo inspectors and nominating them for inspections. Therefore both Appendices have been produced from APHA’s list of inspectors nominated to inspect a zoo. The list in Appendix 1 does not include collections that may be considered a zoo but are exempt from the Act and therefore do not require a licence.
    [Show full text]