MARCH 2015

A publication of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Shrouded in Mystery Understanding the Conservation Status of Sharks

DISPELLING MYTHS SAWFISH RECOVERY LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM Engaging People in Learning Is a Mythical Fish Recovering? Sharks are Both Feared About Sharks and Fascinating

March 2015

Features 18 24 30 36

Shrouded in Mystery Dispelling Myths Sawfi sh Recovery Love Them or Hate Them The International Union for Through informative Once abundant in the Sharks are iconic animals Conservation of Nature Red displays, underwater waters of more than 90 that are both feared and List of Threatened Species tunnels, research, interactive countries around the world, fascinating. Misrepresented indicates that 181 of the touch tanks and candid sawfi sh are now extinct from in a wide array of media, the 1,041 species of sharks and conversations with guests, half of their former range, public often struggles to get rays are threatened with Association of Zoos and and all fi ve species are a clear understanding of the extinction, but the number Aquariums-accredited classifi ed as endangered complex and important role could be even higher. facilities have remarkable or critically endangered by that these remarkable fi sh play BY LANCE FRAZER ways of engaging people in the International Union for in oceans around the world. informal and formal learning. Conservation of Nature. BY DR. SANDRA ELVIN AND BY KATE SILVER BY EMILY SOHN DR. PAUL BOYLE

March 2015 | www.aza.org 1

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Member View Departments

7 County-Wide Survey 9 Pizzazz in Print 11 By the Numbers 44 Faces & Places Yields No Trace of Rare This Vancouver Aquarium ad AZA shark and ray 47 Calendar Western Pond Turtle was one of fi ve that ran as conservation. part of the Vancouver Sun’s 51 Exhibits Turtle survey failed to 12 Conservation Grants document any trace of Ocean Series. 52 Announcements the imperiled western Fund 10 New Research Scientists track migration pond turtle. 55 Advertiser Index Explores Scent patterns of arapaima in 64 8 Green Tales Communication in Guyana, South America. Births & Hatchings Inspiring our guests with Polar Bears 13 Conservation our green practices. New research provides the About the Cover fi rst systematic examination Spotlight Great White Shark 9 Animal Welfare Aquarium of the Bay is all of social information polar © Thinkstock Three new avenues about the conservation bears glean from scents left for learning about of San Francisco Bay, in paw prints. animal welfare. its watershed and local 10 Research aquatic ecosystems. This month’s selection of what has been published.

VISIT US ONLINE Editorial policy: Connect is published by the aza.org Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofi t, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the advance- LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ment of zoological parks and aquariums for conser- facebook.com/Association vation, education, scientifi c studies and recreation. Issued to members as a OfZoosAndAquariums free service; not available as a subscription. Mailed during the fi rst week of the month. Articles submitted for Connect do not necessarily refl ect the opinions FOLLOW US ON TWITTER and policies of AZA. twitter.com/zoos_aquariums Mission: Connect is a forum for promoting AZA’s mission by highlighting zoo E-MAIL THE EDITOR and aquarium trends, industry initiatives, conservation efforts and member [email protected] achievements. Copyright policy: All items appearing in Connect are copyright of AZA. Permission to reprint items must be obtained by contacting AZA’s Publications Department at [email protected]. Advertising policy: Advertising is available. AZA reserves the right to refuse advertising not consistent with its mission. Ad contracts are issued on an annual basis, and ads are accepted on a one, three, six, nine or 12-time basis. Deadline for insertion orders is the fi rst of the month preceding publication. Deadline for artwork is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Rates and mechanical requirements are available upon request.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 3 EDITOR Tim Lewthwaite ASSISTANT EDITOR Jennifer Fields REDESIGN AND ART DIRECTION LTD Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa Cadigan, Cadigan Creative ADVERTISING Gina Velosky Myth and Misinformation (301) 562-0777, ext. 254, [email protected] EDITORIAL BOARD Shrouded in myth and misinformation, sharks have long captured our imagination. Pop- Thom Benson | Tennessee Aquarium Julie Larsen-Maher | Wildlife Conservation Society ular depictions in the media have oft en done little to further our understanding of these Tim Lewthwaite | Editor remarkable fi sh, and even experts struggle to come to consensus on basic information Kristin L. Vehrs | Executive Director about many of the 501 diff erent species of sharks. At the recent Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Directors’ Policy Con- ference in Sarasota, Fla., several AZA organizations, including the Monterey President and CEO Jim Maddy Bay Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory Executive Director and Aquarium, the National Aquarium Kristin L. Vehrs in Baltimore, Disney’s Th e Seas and the Chief Operating Offi cer Jill Nicoll Wildlife Conservation Society, partici- Senior Vice President of Conservation R & D and Policy pated in a round table discussion on the Paul Boyle, PhD global status of sharks. Th e conversation Senior Vice President of Conservation and Science Debborah Luke, PhD highlighted some interesting themes. Senior Vice President of External Affairs First of all, signifi cant shark science Rob Vernon is already underway at AZA-accredited Senior Vice President of Finance Phil Wagner facilities but more could - and should - Vice President of Animal Programs be done, given the lack of understanding Candice Dorsey, PhD about basic shark, ray, and skate biology, Vice President, Conferences and Membership as well as their natural history. Melissa Howerton Vice President of Congressional Affairs Secondly, sharks have experienced some conservation successes due to legal pro- Jennifer Keaton tections in United States waters, but complementing and expanding upon patchwork Vice President of Accreditation Programs protections in international waters is an area wide open for leadership by AZA members Denny Lewis Vice President of Federal Relations and our visiting public. Steve Olson And fi nally, it became apparent that these holes in both shark science and legal pro- For a full listing of AZA’s staff, visit www.aza.org/about-aza tection are indicative of how conservation action on issues impacting the planet’s oceans AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS are less developed than eff orts to protect land-based species and habitats. Chair I’d like to thank the participating institutions for providing real insight into the mul- Dennis E. Pate | Executive Director and CEO, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium titude of issues facing shark species around the world and the role that the AZA com- Chair Elect munity can play. Conserving sharks and their ocean habitats is complex, and nobody has Steve Burns | Director, Zoo Boise identifi ed all the solutions. However, the very complexity provides real opportunity for Vice Chair Dennis W. Kelly | Director, Smithsonian National AZA and AZA-accredited facilities to expand upon the important work we are already Zoological Park doing and become central players in shark and ocean conservation. Past Chair Jackie Ogden, PhD | Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Directors Jim Breheny | Executive Vice President and General Director, Zoos and Aquarium, Jonathan Little Cohen Director of the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society Lynn B. Clements | Director, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Dennis E. Pate Science Center | Executive Director and CEO Jim Hekkers Managing Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium Gregg Hudson | Executive Director and Chief Executive Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Offi cer, Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. Steve Marshall | Zoo Director, El Paso Zoo Amos Morris | Zoo Director, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Douglas G. Myers | President and CEO, San Diego Zoo Global Craig Pugh | CEO, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Peggy Sloan | Director, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

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6 www.aza.org | March 2015 County-Wide Survey Yields No Trace of Rare Native Turtle

A two-year comprehensive turtle survey, the fi rst of its kind in Clackamas County Oregon, has failed to document any trace of the imper- iled western pond turtle during its fi rst year of searching, according to a recent report. © Oregon Zoo

A biologist-led team of volunteers searched Pond turtle populations have declined Since 1998, the Oregon Zoo has worked 15 sites, returning to each site four times throughout their West Coast range for a closely with partners, including the Wash- during the spring survey, which was funded number of reasons, including destruction of ington Department of Fish and Wildlife and in part by an Oregon Zoo Future for Wild- their wetland habitat, confl ict with inva- Woodland Park Zoo to recover Washing- life grant. Th e sites ranged from remnant sive species and a recently discovered shell ton’s western pond turtle populations. Th e natural wetlands to stormwater ponds disease. Th e species is listed as sensitive in Oregon Zoo participates in a “head-starting” found behind big-box stores, representing Oregon and endangered in Washington, project, rearing turtle hatchlings in a protect- a spectrum of available turtle habitats in can live up to 70 years and prefers streams, ed environment until they’re large enough to Clackamas County. ponds, lakes and permanent wetlands. evade predators such as the invasive bullfrog. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Th e survey documented two other turtle Head-started turtles are released back into (ODFW) conservation biologist Susan species in Clackamas County: the native Washington, into areas of suitable habitat Barnes called the failure to spot a single indi- western painted and the non-native red- protected and managed specifi cally for vidual at the 15 sites “moderately alarming.” eared slider. Transplants from the south-cen- natural resources. “It’s clear that there are not a lot of tral U.S., red-eared sliders are an invasive Th is ODFW project was made possible turtles out there, but it will take more years species that commonly enter the environ- with funding from Oregon Wildlife’s Beulah of data to understand what’s happening with ment aft er being “released” as unwanted Drake grant program, the Oregon Zoo local western pond turtles and why,” said pets. Once established in local waterways, Foundation’s Future for Wildlife program Barnes, who oversaw the survey. “We know they compete with native turtles for nesting and support from Clean Water Services, that western pond turtles live in a few areas areas, basking sites and food and oft en carry North Clackamas Parks and Recreation of Clackamas County that were not part of parasites or disease that can wipe out native District and Clackamas Water and Environ- the 2014 survey.” turtle populations. ment Services.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 7 Green Tales Together We Can Inspiring Our Guests with Our Green Practices By Douglas Meyer

So many of our facilities are doing so much to improve our environmental practices that it can be diffi cult for us to remember, let alone fi nd the time, to tell others about our eff orts. Yet new research by Th e Ocean Project suggests that when it comes to our collective interest in developing a “green culture” that reaches beyond our staff to our guests, the stories about what we are doing as institutions can be as inspirational as the stories we tell about our animals. “We know from our 16 years of public opinion research that visitors not only expect zoos and aquariums to provide them with information about conservation issues, but also that when they are on site they are inspired to act for conservation and truly trust and appreciate suggestions as to the ways they can join their local aquarium and zoo in going green,” explains Bill Mott, director of Th e Ocean Project. “We always understood that the emotional connection to live animals was a big part of that inspiration; yet, what we’ve learned most recently is that guests also can be inspired by what the zoo or aquarium is doing to help solve the problem, especial- ly when these eff orts are positioned in a

‘together-we-can’ way that implies taking © Kizzy O’Neal solutions to scale.” Th e idea was put to the test by the with the presence of some working wind our oceans. And they plan to continue their North Carolina Aquariums, where they turbines, that also worked really well, even Innovative Solutions Grants+ Program, recently completed an experimental pro- without the added benefi t of interpreta- which funded the eff ort by the North gram to see if visitors would be interested tion,” said Windy Arey-Kent, education Carolina Aquariums and, thanks to support in renewable energy, specifi cally obtaining curator at the North Carolina Aquarium at from the National Oceanic and Atmo- Renewable Energy Certifi cates, as a way Pine Knoll Shores, who led the project. spheric Administration’s (NOAA) Offi ce to help address climate change and ocean Looking ahead, Th e Ocean Project of Education, just announced a new round acidifi cation. “We were confi dent that our recently received support from the Johnson of grants to accredited institutions that are interpreters could connect the issue to Ohana Charitable Foundation, the charity interested in trying new approaches to vis- the animals and inspire our visitors, and founded by the singer Jack Johnson and itor engagement. More information about they succeeded in doing so, but we were his wife, Kim, to explore applying this these eff orts and how your institution can surprised to see that when we referenced approach around World Oceans Day, with participate, along with a recently published our own commitment to taking action on a specifi c aim of engaging visitors in eff orts summary of the organization’s research, can the issue, which we did at one of our sites to address the problem of plastic debris in be found at www.Th eOceanProject.org.

8 www.aza.org | March 2015 Animal Welfare New Animal Welfare Resources By Gary Priest and Beth Posta

Animal welfare is a critically important topic making it accessible from www.sdzglobalacad- Evidence-Based Animal Welfare will include in our industry, and staying abreast of ad- emy.org. In addition, the course will also be hands-on experience learning about the vances in animal welfare thought and practice made available to AZA members on AZA’s science of animal welfare and the application is important to all Association of Zoos and e-learning platform launching later this year. of skills and knowledge for an evidence-based Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities. In In addition to this full-length online animal welfare management program. Th is recognition of this, the members of the AZA course about animal welfare, the AZA Animal course will be highly interactive and focus Animal Welfare Committee, in coordination Welfare Committee is also developing an on a holistic view of animal welfare (includ- with the AZA Public Relations Committee, introductory online presentation on animal ing veterinary services, research, nutrition, have been working to provide AZA members welfare. Th is shorter introduction to the topic enrichment, training and exhibit design), with more information about animal welfare will be used as pre-work for several AZA cradle-to-grave considerations, measuring and related topics. One communication tactic professional development courses and may welfare and providing animals with choice in the overall strategy is to publish articles be completed independently. Th is program and control within their environments. Wel- in Connect that feature advances in animal highlights general concepts of animal welfare, fare leadership will be integrated throughout welfare made by AZA member facilities. Th is including the integration of the physical, this course to help attendees in developing month, we are featuring three new avenues for behavioral and emotional health of animals as welfare programs within their facilities. Th is professional learning about animal welfare. they pertain to welfare, as well as topics such course is expected to launch in the 2015-2016 Th e San Diego Zoo Global Academy as cradle-to-grave care and the impact of the course year. made its public launch at the 2012 AZA human-animal relationship on animal welfare. Annual Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Th e Th is module, along with introductions to Gary Priest is the Curator, Animal Care Academy was conceived as a resource for enrichment and animal training, will also be Training at the San Diego Zoo Global relevant online training for zoo and aquarium hosted on AZA’s e-learning platform. AZA is Academy. professionals. Now, just over two years old, also developing a new in-person profession- Beth Posta is the Curator Behavioral the Academy has grown to include more than al development course on animal welfare. Husbandry & Research at the Toledo Zoo. 100 institutions, with participation from zoos in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. One of the Academy’s many Pizzazz in Print content features is the online series of Animal Care Training Courses. Th e concept behind Each month the this series was to develop three cohorts of 13 Association of Zoos courses each, which are designed to create and Aquariums a ladder for professional development and (AZA) Marketing advancement in the fi eld of animal care. Committee will Th e Academy’s newest course is Animal feature one ad from Welfare. At press time, it is in the fi nal stages a participating of production. Th e course was written by AZA-accredited Dr. Lance Miller, formerly of San Diego Zoo facility to extend Global and now with the Chicago Zoological the visibility of Society. Dr. Miller is also the assistant chair of your institutions’ the AZA Animal Welfare Committee. AZA’s advertising campaignss Animal Welfare Committee, representing beyond the Pizzazz reeleel at the AZA Annual multiple institutions, worked with Dr. Miller Conference. Ads withh a conservation message are encouraged. For future to review and comment on the course during submissions, please sendd materialstil tto [email protected].@ its development. At this time, an overview of the Animal Welfare course is available at www. Vancouver Aquarium: Vancouver Sun’s Ocean Series sdzglobalacademy.org. Th is ad was one of fi ve that ran as part of the Vancouver Sun’s Ocean Series in early 2012. Th e Upon completion of the Animal Welfare ad reached more than 900,000 readers per week, in print and online combined, and highlighted course, the San Diego Zoo Global Academy the Vancouver Aquarium as a non-profi t organization conducting important conservation, plans to make this course available for free research and education programs in addition to being a world-class visitor attraction. to all animal care professionals worldwide by

March 2015 | www.aza.org 9 New Research Explores Research Botanic Gardens: Scent Communication in Conservation and Invasive Plants Polar Bears Botanic gardens continue to increase their commitments to conservation. However, they may also off er an opportunity for introduction of non-native plants. Th is study examined the collections of more than 3,000 botanic gardens with respect to potential in- vasives and species of conservation interest. Only 23 percent of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed species are cultivated in these gardens and most of these species were found in only a small percentage of gardens. In contrast, 99 percent of the worst invasive species were found in at least one botanic garden and thus were two to fi ve times better represented than red-listed species. Th e study estimates that a typical botanic garden could hold 20 invasive non-native plant species. Moreover, it appears that few botanic gardens either conduct research on invasive species or have a clear non-native invasive species policy. Th e study recommends that botanic gar- dens develop new tools for risk assessment and management of potential invasives in their collections. New research conducted by a team of conservation scientists provides the fi rst systematic ex- amination of the social information polar bears may glean from scents left in the paw prints Hulme, PE. 2014. Resolving whether bo- of other polar bears. Th e authors also suggest that scent communication in polar bears may tanic gardens are on the road to conser- be compromised if climate change-driven sea-ice losses in the Arctic intensify. Th is research vation or a pathway for plant invasions. was undertaken by the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Polar Bears Inter- Conservation Biology. Published online national and U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska. 29 Nov. 2014, DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12426. “Eff ective communication is essential for successful reproduction in solitary, Correspondence to Philip Hulme at wide-ranging animals,” said Dr. Megan Owen, lead author of the Journal of Zoology [email protected]. study. “Developing an understanding of how communication is tied to the environment may enhance our ability to predict the impacts of rapid environmental change on popu- Optimal, Cost-Effective lations.” Th is chemical form of communication was likely shaped by the environmental con- Reintroductions straints of Arctic sea ice. Scientists worry that this communication may be impacted if scent Reintroductions typically involve trade- trails are disrupted due to the increased fracturing of sea ice from climate change. Polar bears off s between the size and sustainability of are largely solitary animals, coming together for brief periods for reproduction. As in many the ex-situ population and the success of similar species, scent is thought to play a critical role in social communication, both in terms reintroduced individuals. For many species, of avoiding potentially aggressive individuals as well as fi nding potential mates. the cost of maintaining a “large enough” “Scent communication is instrumental in both managing aggression and motivating ex-situ population is a signifi cant constraint reproductive interest in solitary species,” said Owen. “Scent communication plays a vital role on all other aspects of the project. Using the in regulating social behavior, and this is particularly important during the breeding season.” reintroduction program for the critically endangered southern corroboree frog (Pseu- Owen, M, Swasigood, R, Slocomb, C, Amstrup, S, Durner, G, Simac, K, and Pessier, A. dophryne corroboree), this study modeled 2015. An experimental investigation of chemical communication in the polar bear. various demographic and life history tactics Journal of Zoology, 295, 1, 36-43. with respect to these trade-off s. Under two

10 www.aza.org | March 2015 diff erent sets of demographic assumptions, deemed highly successful or successful,ful, sub-adults produced the largest wild pop- and only 10 percent were unambiguouslyously ulation. However, under the most realistic, identifi ed as failures. Accomplishmentent of short-term assumptions, joint releases of proximate (i.e., step-along–the-way) ob- eggs and sub-adults off ered the best option jectives was oft en equated with ultimatemate for production of wild individuals, cost per objectives (e.g., establishment of a newew wild individual and security of the ex-situ wild population). In some cases, keyy population. Th is type of optimization mod- objectives seemed not to have been elling can off er important insight into the assessed. Th e authors argue that a structure of ex-situ breeding programs and structured decision-making ap- reintroduction releases. proach would help managers with the formulation and prioritization Canessa, S, Hunter, D, McFadden, M, Ma- of objectives and identifi cation rantelli, G, McCarthy, MA. 2014. Optimal and defi nition of constraints. release strategies for cost-effective rein- troductions. Journal of Applied Ecology Ewen, JG, Soorae, PS, Canes- 51: 1107-1115. Correspondence to Stefano sa, S. 2014. Reintroduction Canessa at [email protected]. objectives, decisions and outcomes: global perspectives fromom the or video Success of herpetofauna. Animal Conservationon, 1717, and when the story is 74-81. Correspondence to John Ewen at posted many days within a week. Some- Reintroducing Herps [email protected]. what surprising was that fans were unlikely Reintroduction programs have oft en been to establish signifi cant dialogs either with criticized for not being well-planned and Scientifi c Literacy other fans directly or with the MFP itself. well-executed and for being unclear about Fans were, however, prone to share MFP what constitutes success. Th is study explores and Facebook postings and develop discussions about the attitudes of reintroduction leaders Social network sites such as Facebook are those postings with their friends. Th e study through evaluation of herpetological rein- believed to have great potential for improv- concludes that while Facebook is not an troductions in the International Union for ing scientifi c literacy through exchanges ideal platform for deep learning about Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Reintroduc- between fans and scientifi c staff , either ocean issues, it is a good gateway to get citi- tion Specialist Group’s publication, Global directly or indirectly through staff postings. zens interested in ocean and environmental Re-Introduction Perspectives. Within these Th e Monterey Bay Aquarium Research issues through science. 40 case studies, not all relevant constraints Institute supported a study of how its Face- and objectives were clearly defi ned and/or book fans communicate with the institute’s Fauville, G, Dupont, S, von Thun, S, & measureable. Each study had between one Facebook page, other fans and their friends. Lundin, J. 2014. Can Facebook be used to seven objectives (mean 4). Variables that Th e institute’s Facebook page (MFP) to increase scientifi c literacy? A case adversely hindered success included staffi ng, provides substantial content about oceans study of the Monterey Bay Aquarium funding, stakeholder confl icts, monitoring, and ocean conservation and the page’s Research Institute Facebook page and threat not removed, lack of baseline data organic reach—number of fans who see a ocean literacy. Computers & Education, and poor productivity of ex-situ population. story within a day—is positively impacted 82, 60-73. Correspondence to Geraldine However, 60 percent of the projects were by whether the story has engaging photos Fauville at [email protected].

By The Numbers

was spent on elasmobranch fi eld SHARKS conservation from 2010-2013. 19 elasmobranch species were targeted, including

RAYSand 5 ray species and 14 shark species

March 2015 | www.aza.org 11 By The Numbers Conservation Grants Fund Tracking Migration Patterns of Arapaima in Guyana, SHARKS South America By Dr. Lesley S. de Souza

RAYSand The great white shark and whalee sshark were the

species that received AmongAm the largest and oldest fi sh on the part, on high-quality ecological data. Th ese the most globe,glob the arapaima (Arapaima arapaima) is fi sh make seasonal migrations into fl ooded oft en referred to as a “dinosaur fi sh” because forests and savannas, yet we understand funding of its prehistoric appearance and its size–at very little about these migrations. Th erefore, times reaching lengths of 10 feet and weigh- Shedd Aquarium, with fi nancial support ing more than 400 pounds. Th e arapaima is from Association of Zoos and Aquariums endemic to tropical South America in the (AZA) Conservation Grants Fund (CGF) Amazon and Essequibo River drainages, and and the Disney Worldwide Conservation is declining throughout its range, especially Fund, is using radio telemetry to assess the unique fi eld conservation in Guyana where the species nearly disap- migration patterns of these fi sh. projects targeting peared in the 1990s from overfi shing and Our study is focused on an isolated trib- elasmobranchs were poaching. Despite local conservation eff orts, utary (Rewa River) of the Essequibo River, conducted between 2010 arapaima became listed as a protected spe- which supports the highest density of arapa- and 2013 cies in Guyana in 2006. ima in Guyana. Radio-telemetry allows us to Unique research Th is species can serve as an eff ective fl ag- determine precise locations of individual fi sh projects conducted ship species because it is large, charismatic and critical feeding and reproduction areas, in 2013: and important ecologically to the rivers and as well as the extent of the drainage they uti- fl oodplains where it swims. Indeed, it is also lize. Using our own newly aquired data, we critical to the Amerindian communities that are currently in the process of revising the rely on it for food. Implementing conserva- current arapaima management plan with the accredited zoos tion strategies to protect this species means local communities of the North Rupununi conserving habitat with high biodiversity district in central Guyana. and aquariums and preserving a way of life for the people of participated in the region. John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chi- Dr. Lesley S. de Souza is a Postdoc- these eff orts. cago, Ill., is assisting with the development toral Research Associate at John G. of conservation strategies, which rely, in Shedd Aquarium.

12 www.aza.org | March 2015 Conservation Spotlight Aquarium of the Bay

In 2013, 42 Association of Zoos and Aquar- iums (AZA)-accredited facilities reached the goal of dedicating three percent of their annual operating budget to fi eld conserva- tion. Each month, this feature will highlight the work of one of the zoos or aquariums that has achieved this goal and how it has made fi eld conservation an integral part of its work.

Aquarium of the Bay’s Mission As San Francisco’s only waterfront aquar- ium, Aquarium of the Bay is dedicated to protecting, restoring and inspiring conserva- tion of San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from the Sierra to the sea.

Conservation Efforts Aquarium of the Bay is all about the conser- vation of San Francisco Bay, its watershed and local aquatic ecosystems, as well as mak- Lauchaire © Courtney ing the connection between local action and chance to create positive change for the Bay, consults on various research projects global conservation issues. Aquarium of the its watershed and the millions of people on San Francisco Bay wildlife, includ- Bay works to promote literacy and positive who treasure these iconic landscapes and ing sharks and jellies, in support of the action toward the health of the watershed vital ecosystems.” conservation of local species and our and ocean through the lens of fi ve critical surrounding ecosystems. issues: climate change, sustainable seafood, Aquarium of the Bay’s freshwater fl ows, marine debris and plastic Conservation Facts Conservation Success Story pollution and marine protected areas. All of • Aquarium of the Bay has been active Aquarium of the Bay and its sister organiza- the programs, presentations and projects at in September’s International Coastal tion, Th e Bay Institute, have been working Aquarium of the Bay relate to at least one, Cleanup Day for years and now also hosts for years to restore and protect endangered and usually many, of these key issues and annual beach cleanups around Earth Day Chinook salmon in the Central Valley. Th is encourage key actions for each issue. in April and World Oceans Day in June. is especially vital work in light of California’s Aquarium of the Bay provides an inspir- • Aquarium of the Bay leads the San Fran- current drought. As a result of the drought, ing window to San Francisco Bay’s diverse cisco Bay Area Sustainable Seafood Alli- fi sh populations in the estuary remain ecosystems and wildlife. Located on San ance. We collaborate with other AZA-ac- precariously close to extinction, and most Francisco’s waterfront, Aquarium of the Bay credited institutions to raise attention and of the salmon spawned in our rivers over is the only aquarium dedicated to the diverse consumer awareness about how to make the last two years have been lost to lethally marine life and ecosystems of the Bay and its seafood choices for a healthier ocean and high water temperatures, insuffi cient fl ows nearby waters. Aquarium of the Bay provides provide regional support for the Monterey and levels of water diversion that remain free curriculum-based classes and tours Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program. high, despite the dry conditions. Th rough to more than 20,000 local K-12 students We also work with and encourage Bay petitions, exhibits and legislative eff orts, annually and is visited by over half a million Area businesses to serve only sustain- these organizations have worked together additional guests each year. able seafood. To date, the Aquarium has to protect Chinook salmon from misguided “We are in a unique position to give a helped more than 40 restaurants and management eff orts that could accelerate the voice to the Bay and its inhabitants,” says other businesses throughout the Bay Area threat of extinction for this species. John Frawley, president and chief executive become sustainable seafood partners. For more information about Aquarium offi cer of Aquarium of the Bay. “We have a • Aquarium of the Bay staff conducts and of the Bay, visit www.aquariumoft hebay.org.

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Understanding the Conservation Status of Sharks

BY LANCE FRAZER

March 2015 | www.aza.org 19 “Sharks are beautiful creatures,” noted marine biologist and explorer Sylvia Earle once said, “and if you’re lucky enough to see lots of them that means you’re in a healthy ocean. You should be afraid if you’re in the ocean and don’t see sharks.” If Earle was right, we have cause to be concerned.

Th e International Union for Conservation Biologist Dr. John Carlson. “You could argue that focusing attention of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Th reatened on the big, glamorous animals takes away funding from researching Species™ indicates that 181 of the 1,041 lesser-known populations, but it also attracts more people’s attention species of sharks and rays (known, along to the overall situation.” with skates and chimaeras, as Chondrich- Another area of uncertainty surrounds the commercial take of thyans) are threatened with extinction1, sharks. Th e number of sharks killed each year in commercial fi sheries is but the number could be even higher. Ac- generally approximated at around 100 million, but estimates range from cording to Dr. Nick Dulvy, lead author on 63 million to nearly 300 million2. When looking specifi cally at the shark the IUCN Shark Specialist Group’s (SSG) fi n trade, Dr. Shelley Clarke, whose PhD study on Hong Kong’s shark fi n study Extinction risk and conservation of market is considered by Dulvy to be the “gold standard,” calculated that the world’s sharks and rays, “249 species the fi ns of 38 million sharks/year (1996-2000) ended up in the market, are either threatened or predicted to be representing about 1.7 million tonnes/year. However, the United Nations threatened,” said Dulvy. “We’ve also found Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics for the same period that at least 28 species have gone locally or range from 0.39 million tonnes to 0.60 million tonnes annually, although regionally extinct.” FAO’s data are generally considered to underestimate the actual situation since not all fi shing nations belong to FAO and reporting is voluntary. No Clear Numbers Many researchers agree the situation is Biology Versus Threats precarious, even if there is disagreement Sharks and rays are vulnerable to over-exploitation because they grow over the exact numbers. A 2013 paper2 said slowly, are generally very slow to mature, their pregnancies can last years the IUCN results seem “conservative.” An and they commonly produce few young, sometimes only one or two earlier study3 discussed alarming collapses pups every other year or so6. of shark species in the northwest Atlantic “Years ago, we caught a Greenland shark,” remembers Ripley’s Ocean, while a 2005 rebuttal4 pointed out a Entertainment Vice President of Husbandry Joe Choromanski. “Th is need for these studies to be more scientifi - was a female … according to what we could estimate, about 100 years cally sound. old. And yet, she was not sexually mature. Th at’s an extreme example, Further complicating population status but that gives you the idea of the odds facing shark and ray populations assessments is that nearly one-half of the when they are depleted.” 1,041 species of the sharks, rays and chi- Commercial over-exploitation is regarded as the greatest threat to maera species assessed by the IUCN were the world’s shark and ray populations. Sharks and rays are caught for deemed “Data Defi cient,” which “doesn’t their fi ns, meat, liver oil and more. Sharks are sometimes caught whole mean no data,” Dulvy explains. “It can but are oft en fi nned, an inhumane practice outlawed in many countries mean that your data is on the wrong scale; which involves removing the fi ns from the still-living shark and discard- for example, only covering one part of a ing the animal to die5. species’ range, or for example, the wrong Th e average retail price for processed shark fi ns is $100/kilogram (dried kind of information such as range informa- fi n) and an estimated global value of the fi n trade ranges from $400 million tion but not information on abundance.” to $550 million7. Th e total trade in shark parts (e.g. meat, skin, teeth, liver, “Or, it can be a lack of research—more cartilage, oils, fi ns) is valued at $1 billion/year8. In 2008, 85 countries were people want to study the big animals, like involved in exporting shark fi ns to Hong Kong with the top ten countries white sharks. Not as many are interested being Spain (2,646,442 kg), Singapore (1,201,236 kg), Taiwan (990,664 kg), in, say, the skates and rays, which, for Indonesia (681,012 kg), United Arab Emirates (511,197 kg), Costa Rica some species, we know very little about (327,385 kg), United States of America (251,310 kg), Yemen (226,738 kg), and are under fi shery exploitation,” said Mexico (216,833 kg) and Brazil (200,732 kg)9. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- However, overfi shing is just the biggest threat, not the only one. “Th ere’s ministration (NOAA) Research Fisheries barely a species living in shallow water that isn’t being touched by

20 www.aza.org | March 2015 A nurse shark.

climate change,” said Dulvy. “And when you Jabado, founder of the Gulf Elasmo Project, was a doctoral student talk about sharks and rays that live close to working in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian shore, or even in freshwater, then habitat Sea. She was taking genetic samples of sharks to provide data on which degradation and environmental pollution conservation decisions can be based. also negatively impact their population.” “The problem is that I’m the only one doing research,” she said in an October 2012 blog11. “We know shark populations are deplet- A Global Problem ing around the world, so we are racing against time to see what is While many countries, including the going on.” United States, have laws in place to protect Th e United Arab Emirates banned fi nning in 1999 and has sharks, there are no eff ective, legally-bind- banned shark fi shing from February through the end of June every ing global agreements on shark fi sheries, year, but the Gulf region remains a resource for the shark fi n export quota systems or regulatory agreements industry, with civil and political unrest in parts of the region adding currently implemented with adequate com- an extra layer of diffi culty. Dr. Jabado said that more than 80 percent pliance and enforcement. With more than of the 126 Emirati fi shermen she spoke with confi rmed that shark 70 percent of the Earth’s surface covered numbers were down throughout the area and that those being caught by oceans, it’s an enormous realm where were signifi cantly smaller than in the past. She also reported that politics and biology collide. more than 45 percent of the species traded in the region are at high “On land, if you want to save a frog in risk of global extinction. one country, you change the legislation in “My perspective hasn’t changed,” said Jabado recently. “I think the that country,” said Dulvy. “If you have two shark situation is still deteriorating rapidly in the region, and urgent countries, you have twice the work. In the action is needed. While governments in the region have taken several ocean, where we estimate 28 percent of steps in the right direction with new regulatory legislation, there is still these species move through at least 18 dif- very little targeted research on sharks and rays and there remains a ferent jurisdictions, the problem multiplies lack of capacity for enforcing all new legislation.” beyond control.” Jabado said the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Environment Oft en, there’s simply too much ocean and Water banned all exports and re-exports of shark products from and too few researchers. In 2012, Rima the Emirates. “It will be important to monitor the trade numbers in

March 2015 | www.aza.org 21 Sharks for sale in a Dubai fi sh market.

“Sharks and rays are vulnerable to over- or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Other sharks (e.g. dusky, porbeagle, sand tiger) are listed as species of special concern but exploitation because they grow slowly, are aff orded no special regulatory provisions. At present, NOAA has closed the 2015 commercial fi shery for the porbeagle shark since the are generally very slow to mature, their fi shery exceeded quotas in 2014 by almost twice the limit. However, the fi shery remains open for other sharks, including blacktip, hammerhead pregnancies can last years and they and blue sharks. With respect to fi nning, the United States prohibited the practice with commonly produce few young, sometimes a federal law in 2000, and further strengthened the ban in 2010 with the Shark Conservation Act. Th e Act stipulates that all sharks must have their only one or two pups every other year or so.” fi ns naturally attached when landed on shore, except for one species, the smooth dogfi sh. Some states also allow fi n removal of spiny dogfi sh. Th ese loopholes in U.S. legislation create opportunities for illegal fi nning as some 2015-2016 to see if this legislation has shark species can be passed off as dogfi sh. made a diff erence,” Jabado said. Other countries around the world are implementing similar protec- She also points out that several countries tions. Countries including Bangladesh and Gabon have announced the in the region signed the Convention on formation of marine sanctuaries that will help protect threatened species Migratory Species (CMS) Sharks Memoran- like the great hammerhead, manta rays and the whale shark. Following a dum of Understanding this year, showing 2013 anti-corruption campaign and pressure from environmental organi- their commitment to working together on the zations, a 90 percent drop in the re-export sales of shark fi ns from Hong conservation of migratory sharks and rays. Kong to mainland China was reported10. In November 2014, 21 species of sharks All positive steps, believe Dulvy and others, but what happens next? and rays were added to the CMS Appen- “First,” says Dulvy, “we need to protect the most threatened species. dices, signifying their precarious situation. We have to hold the line and ensure that these species are given the A few months earlier, seven shark and ray highest protection. species, including two species of manta rays “For vulnerable species, we need to work towards sustainable fi sher- and three species of hammerhead sharks, ies. I’m not trying to put the shark fi n soup people out of business, but were granted international protection I’d like to see it become a sustainable industry. Am I optimistic? If this through their listing in Appendix II of happens in a decade, it will be a miracle. But I wouldn’t be doing this if I the Convention on International Trade in didn’t believe there was reason for optimism.” Endangered Species (CITES). In the United States, only the scalloped Lance Frazer is a writer based in Cameron Park, Calif. hammerhead shark is listed as endangered For full list of references, visit www.aza.org/connectmarch2015

22 www.aza.org | March 2015 March 2015 Caribbean | www.aza.org Reef 23 Shark Engaging People in Learning About Sharks

BY KATE SILVER

24 www.aza.org | March 2015 March 2015 | www.aza.org 25 Sandbar Shark © National Aquarium in Baltimore additional attendance were applied to further build knowledge with respect to great white shark ecology and biology. For example, scientists from the Aquarium and research partners in both Northern harks are among the most feared marine and Southern California have tagged 49 juvenile and 191 adult great white sharks, tracking them to learn more and to shape species on earth, perceived by many as conservation eff orts. “People come to see these amazing vicious, man-eating predators. But in reality, animals and we benefi t by that,” said Hek- kers. “It’s really an obligation on our part sharks, which have been around for hundreds to fund research and to fund programs that will help save them.” An important benefi t to having of millions of years—before dinosaurs, even—are popular shark programs in aquariums is the ability to help infl uence policy that quite vulnerable. addresses conservation threats. For exam- ple, in 2011, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation and the Asian Pacifi c Ameri- can Ocean Harmony Alliance joined Th e Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to sponsor and herald a bill that bans the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fi ns in Humans are far more dangerous to sharks popular—and profi table—over the years, California. Th e bill was signed into law on than the reverse. One-quarter of the that the funds have enabled the organi- 7 October 2011 thanks to the strong voices world’s sharks and rays are threatened, zation to fund a number of conservation of the public who wrote countless letters to according to the International Union for eff orts. In addition to its regular displays their legislators in support of the bill. Th is Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as a of 14 species of sharks and rays, including bill was a milestone in shark conservation, result of exploitation, overfi shing and hab- a ray touch tank, the Aquarium features a which is now a leading example for other itat loss, which kill an estimated 100 mil- popular program known as Saving Great states to follow suit. lion sharks every year1. Alarmingly, nearly White Sharks. 50 percent of the Chondrichthyes class, From 2004 to 2011, the Aquarium Shark Week which includes sharks, skates, rays and exhibited six juvenile great white sharks—a Every summer, the South Carolina chimaeras, are classifi ed as data defi cient true rarity, considering the sheer size, and, Aquarium in Charleston, S.C., hosts due to insuffi cient population assessments frankly, predator-driven appetite of the Shark Week, inviting the public to learn and analyses2. Th ere is no doubt that the species. Th e fi rst great white shark that about the fi ve species of shark living in general public has a lot to learn about the was on display, said Aquarium Manag- the 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank. vast array of these remarkable fi sh. ing Director Jim Hekkers, was a juvenile During Shark Week, visitors can enjoy Association of Zoos and Aquariums caught by fi shermen trolling for halibut various activities such as dive shows, (AZA)-accredited facilities play a vital role in Southern California. Th e Aquarium set interactive exhibits, a “sharkeology” dig in educating the public on the importance up a sea pen around the shark, allowing it and festivities such as the “Shark, Rattle, of nearly 1,041 species of Chondrichthy- to acclimate to having boundaries prior to and Roll” party that highlights shark es. Of these 1,041 species, 539 consist of transport to the Aquarium. conservation with all proceeds reinvested skates and rays, which are popular in ma- Th e juvenile shark became quite into animal welfare and care. Th e Aquar- rine exhibits in AZA-accredited facilities. popular, drawing more than one million ium’s Shark Week does not highlight Th rough informative displays, underwater visitors in her six-month stay at the thrill-based sensationalism and hype of tunnels, research, interactive touch tanks Aquarium. Executive Director Julie predator-prey dynamics. and candid conversations with guests, Packard referred to it as “the most pow- “We’ve always seen our Shark Week as AZA-accredited facilities have remarkable erful emissary for ocean conservation in an opportunity to debunk the myths that ways of engaging people in informal and our history.” Th e Aquarium released the are perpetuated about sharks and their formal learning. shark back into the ocean in March 2005 role in the ecosystem,” said Kevin Mills, and, over the next seven years, displayed president and CEO of South Carolina Saving the Great White Sharks fi ve others. Each of the six sharks was Aquarium. Activities throughout the week At the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Mon- tagged and released. Hekkers says that teach people that sharks are not danger- terey, Calif., shark exhibits have proven so the profi ts gained from the unanticipated ous and shark attacks are extremely rare.

26 www.aza.org | March 2015 Whit McMillan, director of educa- tion at South Carolina Aquarium, says the Aquarium emphasizes to visitors that it is people entering shark habitats that lead to incidents, and with most in- cidents, we are in their way—the sharks are not targeting us. McMillan points out that millions of people visit South Carolina beaches every year. If sharks were targeting humans, the number of shark-related incidents per year would be higher. Th e International Shark Attack File of the Florida Museum of Natural History is a globally comprehensive database of shark attacks. Th e records for South Carolina indicate that a total of 77 shark attacks have occurred with two fatalities from the years 1837-2003, the last of which was recorded in 18523. “For a healthy ocean, we have to have all these creatures and we need to keep them around, even the big ones,” McMillan said. Starting this spring, visitors to the Aquarium will get an up-close-and-per- sonal experience with sharks when the new exhibit Shark Shallows opens. Th e 20,000-gallon touch tank will be home to a variety of sharks and rays with which visitors can interact. “Th at”, said McMil- lan, “is all part of the learning process. If you can touch it and make a connection with that animal, then that’s a very diff er- ent experience than just seeing one.”

Engaging Exhibits Other aquariums develop exhibits that immerse visitors in marine environ- ments. At Ripley’s Aquariums located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Toronto, Canada, visitors promenade through a see-through tunnel more than 300 feet long as sharks, rays and other fi sh swim directly over their heads. “It’s better than being a scuba diver,” said Joe Choromanski, vice president, husbandry with Ripley’s. Kids and their adult chaperones are also invited to have a slumber party in the tunnel with the Sleep with the Sharks program. Choromanski said that the devel- opment of acrylic tanks in the 1960s changed the game for aquariums. Aquariums are now able to be more fl exi- ble and creative with designs as they can build tanks of various shapes and sizes such as bubbles, convex, concave and

Juvenile great white shark on display at Monterey Bay Aquarium. © Monterey Bay Aquarium “The views are just amazing and stunning, and it gives the public the perspective of their size compared to the animals.” — Joe Choromanski, vice president, husbandry with Ripley’s

other confi gurations. “Th e views are just ium interpreters walk around and talk amazing and stunning, and it gives the to visitors about sharks. Interpreters also public the perspective of their size com- share educational video stories on their iP- pared to the animals,” he said. In fact, ads with visitors. At posted times, visitors Choromanski says his favorite place to be can watch as divers feed the sharks. at any of the three Ripley’s aquariums is “We spend a lot of time adding some- in the tunnel, watching the expressions thing to the display by engaging people,” of visitors. he says. “When they’re in the tunnel, and they’re only separated by two inches of Entertaining and Educating plastic with the acrylic window, they can Beth Firchau, curator of fi shes at the Vir- see every pimple, every tooth of these ginia Aquarium and Marine Science Cen- sharks,” he said. “Senior citizens become ter in Virginia Beach, Va., compares sharks little kids again, and everybody’s giggling to the lions of Africa and tigers of India, as by the time they get 20 feet into the tun- top predators in ecosystems keeping other nel.” Th at level of intrigue makes it easier species and habitats well balanced. “Sharks for the aquariums to dispel the man-eat- manage the fi sheries way better than we ing fear of sharks and impart their main could ever do as humans,” she said. takeaway. “Th ey really are a necessary Th e Aquarium holds two tanks of part of the ecosystem,” said Choroman- considerable size: 250,000 gallons and ski. “Th ey’re the apex predator, and 300,000 gallons. Both tanks feature without them the oceans would really be sharks including sand tiger sharks, out of balance.” brown sharks, nurse sharks and chain In fact, Ripley’s works with the Nation- dogfi sh. Th e Aquarium also hosts a touch al Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tank consisting of rays found along the tion (NOAA) to tag and track sharks in Virginia coastline. Firchau indicates order to learn more about them. that these tanks with sharks and rays While state-of-the-art exhibits are a are some of the most visited areas of the big draw for visitors to many facilities, Aquarium. “I think sharks are a peren- other aquariums fi nd that the sharks nial animal of interest, excitement and themselves are the main curiosity. wonder,” she explains. “I think they are “We probably have one of the most the animals that we love to hate and we mundane shark displays,” said Dr. John can’t get enough of them.” Nightingale, president and chief execu- Firchau says that sensationalist shows tive offi cer of Vancouver Aquarium Ma- and movies have all played into that. “But”, rine Science Centre, British Columbia, she said, “that’s not necessarily a bad thing, Canada. At the Vancouver Aquarium, if the Aquarium can use it to its advantage. the main tank is 45,000 gallons and is “If you can get people in the door home to several sharks and rays such as because they’re anticipating being enter- the black tip reef shark, zebra shark and tained and you educate them along the leopard rays. way and have fun doing it, do you think “Compared to all the walk-through they’re going to come back? Yeah, they tunnels and everything else you see, it’s a are,” she said. “Ultimately it fi ts into our pretty simple display,” says Nightingale. plan of environmental education.” And yet, it is one of the most popular. Nightingale explains the shark display has Kate Silver is a writer based in Chicago, been so successful because of the level of Ill. For full list of references, visit engagement the Aquarium off ers. Aquar- www.aza.org/connectmarch2015

28 www.aza.org | March 2015 © Ripley’s Entertainment

March 2015 | www.aza.org 29 30 www.aza.org | March 2015

SOHN EMILY Recovering? BY Recovery Fish

a Mythical sh Is

Sawfi

March 2015 | www.aza.org 31 he green sawfi sh at the Georgia Aquarium Images of the animals show up on the walls of Th ai Buddhist temples, and the fi sh have played extensive roles in in Atlanta, Ga., attracts plenty of admirers tribal mythologies of people living in tropical and subtropical zones around as it makes its way along the sandy bottom of the world. But the body part that makes the a 6.3-million gallon tank. Related to sharks, sawfi sh so compelling is also what has made it so vulnerable to decline. A proboscis lined with dozens of teeth sawfi sh are a family of ray (Pristidae) that look is easily snagged in nets and other fi shing gear, and those accidental as if they were created by Dr. Seuss. With a body entanglements can be annoying to fi shermen, who have oft en killed the as long as 20 feet or more in some species, up to a animals to save their gear. Even when anglers mean well, many fi nd it impos- sible to resist the urge to drag a snared quarter of a sawfi sh’s length can be taken up by a giant, sawfi sh out of the water for a photo shoot. Th at’s dangerous for people, toothed sword that sticks out of its face. who can get speared by a thrashing fi sh, and for the fi sh, whose gills need to stay wet to survive. “It’s one of the most extraordinary adaptations in the animal kingdom, “Th e rostrum is their Achilles right up there with the narwhal’s tusk and the elephant’s trunk,” said Dr. heel,” said Dr. John Carlson, a research Alistair Dove, Georgia Aquarium’s director of research and conserva- biologist with the National Oceanic tion. “It’s an outstanding feature that you just can’t ignore.” and Atmospheric Administration’s Sawfi sh sightings, however, have become exceedingly rare, particu- (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries larly in the wild. Once abundant in the waters of more than 90 countries Service in Panama City, Fla. “It’s a around the world, the animals are now extinct from half of their former double-edged sword.” range and all fi ve species are classifi ed as endangered or critically Th ere is a long history of intention- endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature al harvest, too. Sawfi sh fi ns are among (IUCN) (www.iucnredlist.org). the highest priced in the shark-fi n Th e smalltooth sawfi shPristis ( pectinata), which used to make trade, with a set of fi ns selling for up seasonal appearances as far north as New York and throughout the Gulf to $3,8962. Th eir ova, gall bladder, liver of Mexico, has experienced an estimated 95 percent reduction in num- and other parts are used in traditional bers from 1962 to the present, according to scientifi c surveys, fi shery medicines in China3. Sawfi sh rostra observations and landings data1. African, Australian and Indonesian continue to be sold as curios in the sou- populations have faced similarly drastic declines, as has a once-thriv- venir trade, both in shops and online ing population in Lake Nicaragua, leaving experts in a race to save an auctions. Th e average price paid was animal that only recently became the subject of species assessments. $119, with the highest bid at $1,2422. “Sawfi sh are arguably the most endangered marine fi sh in the Th e spiked teeth may be sold as spurs world,” said Sonja Fordham, president of Shark Advocates International in Peruvian-style cockfi ghting in Peru in Washington, D.C. “Th e sad reality is that a lot of people think they’re and Ecuador, with each pair priced just a fi gment of people’s imagination, like a cartoon character.” between $80 and 2202. Sawfi sh spend a lot of time in frag- A Threatened Legend ile environments such as mangroves For thousands of years, sawfi sh have been revered as symbols of and coastal areas where human activ- strength and even spirituality. Dozens of sawfi sh noses, called rostra, ities are highly concentrated, mak- were buried in tombs beneath the Aztec Great Temple in Mexico City, ing them vulnerable to habitat loss, according to research compiled by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. alteration and destruction. It can take Ancient Mayans added rostral teeth to the graves of their dead. several years for a sawfi sh to reach

32 www.aza.org | March 2015 © Georgia Aquarium

A green sawfi sh at the Georgia Aquarium.

sexual maturity, and many reproduce on anything. Since then, we have been trying to get as much informa- only every other year. Some species tion as we can.” give birth to just a few live young at For the last few years, researchers from NOAA, the Florida Muse- a time. Th is makes sawfi sh slow to um of Natural History and Florida State University have been count- recover from declines, especially when ing, tagging and collecting blood samples from smalltooth sawfi sh in habitat availability and quality are Everglades National Park and Florida Bay to get a better understanding declining as well2. of how the animals move and interact. Another team from the Florida Amidst plummeting numbers, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is doing work in areas that there is still a shortage of information are more developed, which will help scientists quantify threats from regarding basic ecology and biology human activities. of sawfi sh. It was not until 2012, for Results from these projects have revealed that juveniles return to example, that one study demonstrated the same habitat year aft er year and that they stick to small home ranges the full utility of the rostra in the ability that expand as they grow. Researchers are also fi nding that juvenile to detect, dig up and obtain prey4. sawfi sh grow quickly in the fi rst couple of years, reaching sexual matu- Previously, seven species of sawfi sh rity within two to three years2. Preliminary data also suggest that adult were considered taxonomically distinct. sawfi sh segregate into groups of males and females within the Florida But a recent reassessment found that all Bay and demonstrate tidal and seasonal movements. Studies like these sawfi sh belong to only fi ve species5. can help focus conservation eff orts on the locations and times when “It was one of those animals that sawfi sh need protection the most. slipped through the cracks,” Carlson said. “We didn’t really know anything Action Plan about them until we found out they Political action and public education remain essential for saving sawfi sh were disappearing. From a basic biolog- from extinction, says Fordham, who co-wrote the petition to list small- ical perspective, we didn’t have a handle tooth sawfi sh under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Th e petition was

March 2015 | www.aza.org 33 © Georgia Aquarium

implemented in 2003 and the smalltooth sawfi sh was listed as endan- “Sawfi sh are so rare,” Fordham said, gered in 2005, with the largetooth sawfi sh Pristis( perotteti) added in “and every data point matters.” 2014. In 2013, all fi ve species of sawfi sh were listed under Appendix I of Aquariums play an important the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). role, too. Because sawfi sh are so im- Th at listing bans international and commercial trade of the animals and periled, the only chance most people their parts. will ever get to see them—or even Th ere is hope that legally binding protections can make a diff er- learn of their existence—is to visit ence. Already, populations seem to be stabilizing and even recovering them in aquariums. in some places, including the Everglades, Carlson said, where surveys “Th e ability to come to an aquari- of fi shermen suggest a 5 percent increase per year in the number of um and make a connection with an an- sawfi sh in the area since the 1970s. imal people would otherwise never see Still, sawfi sh have a long way to go for complete recovery to histor- and marvel at its extraordinary adapta- ical levels. In Florida, ongoing conservation eff orts include billboards tions and learn about its biology—that and social media campaigns that try to teach anglers how best to release alone is a big step towards addressing sawfi sh from their fi shing lines and nets. Even people who live far from its conservation plight,” Dove said. “It’s the coast can make a diff erence, Fordham adds. One way to help is to hard not to be impressed.” urge Congress to fully fund the sawfi sh recovery plan and enforcement Aquariums may also help seed saw- eff orts. Another is to report any sawfi sh sightings to the IUCN Shark fi sh populations of the future. In 2012, Specialist Group or the Florida Museum of Natural History (www.fl m- the largest female smalltooth sawfi sh at nh.ufl .edu/fi sh/sharks/sawfi). sh Whether divers see sawfi sh swimming the AZA-accredited Atlantis Paradise underwater, travelers spot rostra in tourist shops, online shoppers no- Island Resort Aquarium in Nassau, tice auctions on eBay or historians stumble across mentions of sawfi sh Bahamas, gave birth to four pups—the in old newspaper clippings, all information is helpful. fi rst example in the world of successful

34 www.aza.org | March 2015 © Thinkstock, Shaun Wilkinson

Sawfi sh are so rare, that aquariums offer the best chance for the public to see these remarkable fi sh. breeding in an aquarium for any kind of sawfi sh. Now sub-adults, those sawfi sh are approaching their third birthday, “Th e ability to come to an aquarium and and Atlantis biologists regularly conduct ultrasound exams and blood work to monitor and study sawfi sh physiology make a connection with an animal people and reproductive biology. With little known about how sawfi sh would otherwise never see and marvel at its reproduce, Atlantis is hoping to add to our understanding about critical periods extraordinary adaptations and learn about for mating, growth rates, productivity rates, environmental requirements and more. Th ese details and others might its biology—that alone is a big step towards help scientists assess the ability of the entire species to recover. For an animal addressing its conservation plight ...” that faces such an uphill battle towards population recovery and stability, every – Alistair Dove viable birth is reason to celebrate. Georgia Aquarium’s director of research and conservation Emily Sohn is a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, Minn. For full list of references, visit www. aza.org/connectmarch2015

March 2015 | www.aza.org 35 or

Sharks are Both Feared and Fascinating

BY DR. SANDRA ELVIN AND DR. PAUL BOYLE Sand Tiger Shark © Tennessee Aquarium Balloons harm or kill more people than sharks. In heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dry mouth, shaking and fact, balloons killed more than twice as many people the inability to speak 12, 13. Predictably, a rise in sela- as sharks (68 versus 30) in the United States between chophobia cases occurred following the 1975 release of 1990-20041,2. Yet sharks are feared and balloons make us Steven Spielberg’s fi lm Jaws14,15. happy. Unfortunately, while balloons are not in peril, the News of shark sightings or incidents that result in world’s shark and other cartilaginous fi sh populations human injury or death can trigger an extreme fear of (i.e. rays, skates and chimaeras, and hereaft er collectively sharks and their relatives. For example, aft er the death referred to as “sharks”) are in sharp decline3. of wildlife personality Steve Irwin in 2006, who was Th e main threats to these species include fi shing, envenomated by a stingray’s tail barb, keepers of touch shark fi nning and skate winging, bycatch, pollution, tanks at aquariums anecdotally reported that some climate change and habitat loss and degradation3–5, adults refused to allow their children to interact with with an impact that is amplifi ed by the life histories rays in touch tanks, asking questions such as, “isn’t that of these fi sh. A slow growth rate, late reproductive how the Crocodile Hunter died?” Th ere are also exam- maturity and the bearing of few off spring are charac- ples of exaggerated media portrayals, including Shark teristics that hinder the recovery of shark populations4. Week productions such as Sharkzilla, Megalodon: Th e Sustainable management of wildlife necessitates public Monster Shark, Sharknado and Sharkageddon. Using awareness, acceptance, and participation6,7. However, such ominous titles, major production companies focus the public has demonstrated a wide variety of attitudes principally on thrill factors regarding “attacks” rather toward sharks ranging from deep admiration, superi- than accurate, educational and informative content. ority, to anxiety and loathing8,9. Curious about the Mysterious Playing to Fear Many people view oceans as mysterious when com- With sharp teeth, impassive eyes and a menacing dor- pared to land16. Th ere is a gap in public understanding sal fi n that cuts through the water, sharks are easy to where people do not realize they need healthy oceans demonize. To the unacquainted, dramatic portrayals to exist17,18. Yet, increasingly, apex predators such as of sharks seem appropriate because the media oft en the larger sharks are being acknowledged to be vital present sharks in bloodthirsty, ferocious feeding to healthy and sustainable oceans by providing key frenzies. Negative notions of sharks in fi lms and ecosystem services such as limiting overpopulation by television shows may entertain as they play on our prey species18. Earlier shark-based tourism that pro- primal fears. Sensationalism oft en wins, particularly moted hunting is now being replaced by diving to view when ratings and profi t margins are the key drivers live sharks. Th is new approach provides a continuous shaping the message. income fl ow to local tourism operators and related Not surprisingly, many people hear “man-eating businesses while providing thrill-seekers the chance shark” and internalize a generalized fear response. A to see sharks in their natural habitat4,19. For example, strong and persistent fear of sharks is termed selacho- studies report that a single grey reef shark (Carchar- phobia10,11. Selachophobia may lead to an inability to hinus amblyrhynchos) is worth between $3,300 and approach the ocean, lakes, rivers, ships, boats or even $35,000 per year at dive and snorkeling sites20,21. Addi- to visit aquariums or zoos. Th is is in addition to the tionally, public aquariums benefi t from people’s fasci- other common symptoms of phobias, such as anxiety, nation with sharks in creative ways. Th e Oregon Coast dread, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular Aquarium runs a Sleep with the Sharks program that

38 www.aza.org | March 2015 “Balloons harm or kill more people than sharks. In fact, balloons killed more than twice as many people as sharks (68 versus 30) in the United States between 1,2 1990-2004 . Yet sharks are feared and balloons make us happy. Unfortunately, while balloons are not in peril, the world’s shark and other cartilaginous fi sh (i.e. rays, skates and chimaeras, and hereafter collectively referred to as “sharks”)3.” populations are in sharp decline

Sand Tiger Shark © Tennessee Aquarium © Tennessee Aquarium

reinforces learning about and understanding sharks for comic strip Sherman’s Lagoon features Sherman, the their vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. good-natured, lazy and overweight great white shark Th e benefi ts of shark-based tourism have (Carcharodon carcharias) who is involved in comical impacts on research eff orts as the public becomes exploits of baiting humans on the beach and fi ghting more willing and able to accept and fund projects his enemies, the giant squids and dolphins. Yet, Sher- for shark assessment, management and conserva- man also brings up conservation issues and travels to tion. Over the past 40 years, scientifi c research has marine sanctuaries where he embarks on adventures demonstrated that we have had dramatic adverse that could only occur in protected areas (e.g. seeing eff ects on the oceans. Public tolerance for pollution rare protected species). Sherman was even once and other harmful activities is now limited4, and subject to fi nning and lost his fi ns. Luckily, his ocean support for marine conservation and protection is friends were able to reattach them surgically. Other on the rise22. However, more research eff orts (e.g. animations lean on humor to convey a point as with funds and time) are needed to understand and the three sharks, Bruce, Anchor, and Chum in Walt assess the nearly 50 percent of shark species on the Disney Pictures’ fi lm Finding Nemo. Th e trio attempt International Union for Conservation of Nature vegetarianism but can hardly resist the smell of blood (IUCN) Red List™ (www.iucnredlist.org) noted as from the main characters, Dory and Marlin. Not Data Defi cient. surprisingly, many people are perplexed in their per- ception of sharks by such juxtaposed representations The Good, the Bad and the Funny of sharks as both friend and foe in popular media. Th e polarized perception of sharks is amplifi ed by semantics. Th e colloquial use of “shark” in reference to An Opportunity manipulative, aggressive and unscrupulous people is Varied public opinions and attitudes suggest that popular in terms such as “loan shark,” “pool shark” and people are confl icted about sharks. Attitudes diff er “jumping the shark.” Yet, being a “shark” in the legal according to levels of understanding and informed world is an esteemed designation representing a tough concern for the health of ocean ecosystems. That attorney who wins most if not all of his or her cases. interest in sharks exists so broadly among people Also, a Google search reveals 13 adult sports teams presents an opportunity to engage the public in named aft er sharks, including the San Jose Sharks shark conservation through high quality sci- (California professional hockey), Jacksonville Sharks ence-based programs. (Florida professional arena football) and Clearwater Th reshers (Florida minor league baseball). To be a Sandra Elvin, PhD, is AZA’s Director of Conser- “shark” under these circumstances and/or to root for vation Research and Policy Development. these teams (e.g. fan apparel) conveys admiration and Paul Boyle, PhD, is AZA’s Senior Vice President respect for the athletes and the sports and pride in of Conservation Research & Development and being a “shark.” Policy. Other dichotomous presentations of sharks occur For full list of references, visit www.aza.org/ in media that target both adults and children. Th e connectmarch2015

40 www.aza.org | March 2015 © “After the death of wildlife personality Steve 2006, Irwin in who was envenomated barb, by a stingray’s keepers tail of touch tanks ally at aquariums reported that anecdot- some adults children refused to interact to allow their with rays in touch tanks, questions such asking as, ‘isn’t that how the Crocodile Hunter died?’”

March 2015 | www.aza.org 41 42 www.aza.org | March 2015 March 2015 | www.aza.org 43 Faces & Places

Member News Education degree in secondary York, London, South Africa, from Kansas State University. The Maritime Aquarium science education from Georgia Europe and Chicago and brings Following graduation, Dr. at Norwalk Announces State University. He earned his a global perspective to Lincoln Hahn gained valuable career New President Bachelor’s of Science degree in Park Zoo’s management team. experience through internships Th e Maritime environmental science from “Amanda impressed us with in small animal medicine and Aquarium at Rutgers University. her deep experience in brand surgery at VCA Aurora and Norwalk in In addition to the Geor- development and strategy as Berwyn Animal Hospitals Norwalk, Conn., gia Aquarium, Dr. Davis was well as her passion and enthu- and zoological medicine at elected a new an educator at the New York siasm for the Zoo and its mis- Oklahoma State University. She president, Dr. Brian L. Davis, Aquarium, in Brooklyn, N.Y., sion,” said Kevin Bell, president also completed a three-year res- at a special Board of Trustees program and education market- and chief executive offi cer of idency in zoological medicine meeting on 10 November 2014. ing coordinator at Zoo Atlanta Lincoln Park Zoo. at the Oklahoma City Zoo in Dr. Davis joins Th e in Atlanta, Ga., and a science “It is a pleasure and a privi- Oklahoma City, Okla. Maritime Aquarium from the teacher and administrator in lege to join such an impressive “Being a part of this unique Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Georgia school system. organization at a very unique organization is a privilege for Ga., where he was vice presi- time in its history. Lincoln me,” says Dr. Hahn. “Th e Pitts- dent of education and training Amanda Willard Park Zoo is an iconic Chica- burgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and a member of the executive Appointed Vice President go institution with amazing promotes an atmosphere of team reporting to the executive of Marketing and educational, animal care and teamwork and collaboration director. In that capacity, he was Communications conservation eff orts both here that ultimately benefi ts the involved in the operations and Lincoln Park Zoo and abroad. I’m inspired by wonderful, diverse animal col- strategy of one of the world’s in Chicago, Ill., our mission, our animals and lection. It is a progressive, for- largest aquariums. announced the our future,” said Willard. ward-thinking environment in He joined Th e Maritime appointment of Willard holds a Bachelor which everyone is encouraged Aquarium on 28 December, Amanda Willard of Arts in marketing with a to share ideas and thoughts and succeeding Jennifer Herring, to the Zoo’s executive manage- secondary concentration in to think outside the box.” who served as the Aquarium’s ment team as vice president art history from the College of Dr. Hahn is a member president for 10 years. She of marketing and communi- William and Mary, Williams- of the American Association previously announced her plan cations. Willard oversees all burg and Montpellier, France. of Zoo Veterinarians and to retire at the end of 2014. eff orts related to marketing and American Veterinary Medical At Georgia Aquarium communications for the Zoo Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Association, a diplomat of the since 2003, Dr. Davis devel- which cover an array of eff orts Aquarium Hires New American College of Zoological oped educational programs locally, regionally and national- Associate Veterinarian Medicine and has authored and for students at all academic ly, including social and digital Th e Pittsburgh published numerous articles. levels, Aquarium guests and media, design, public relations, Zoo & PPG employees. Working with local internal communications and Aquarium in Dr. Tracy Romana and universities, he incorporated advertising, as well as setting Pittsburgh, Pa., Katie Cubina Promoted training at informal educational and implementing the direction announced the at Mystic Aquarium institutions as part of teacher for the overall brand. hiring of Dr. Alicia Hahn as a In recognition of their exem- preparation. Dr. Davis was the Willard, formally a client new associate veterinarian. plary contributions to Mystic eighth team member to join director at Landor Associates, is “Dr. Hahn’s experience, Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., the Georgia Aquarium and a global brand director with 12 enthusiasm and pragmatic ap- Katie Cubina has been promot- was integral in the Aquarium’s years of experience with large proach to zoo and wildlife med- ed to the new position of senior design and the development of and small corporate clients, icine made her the perfect can- vice president of mission pro- its guest experience. consumer product goods com- didate to join our animal health grams and Dr. Tracy Romano A strong proponent of panies and non-profi t organiza- team,” said Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, has been named chief scientist. scientifi c literacy, he created tions. Most recently she served director of animal health at the Dr. Romano will also serve Aquarium programs connect- as director and lead strategist Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquari- as vice president of biological ing the importance of science for the Northwestern Medicine um. “Dr. Hahn is a valuable asset research. and cultural enrichment to rebrand with a primary focus as we continue to move forward In this role, Cubina will people’s daily lives. on brand architecture and led in the care and management of oversee a new “One Ocean: Davis earned a Doctorate the overarching Kraft client our diverse animal family.” One Mission” effort, creating of Philosophy in secondary services relationship for Landor Dr. Hahn received both her an interdisciplinary ap- science education (teaching Chicago. During her time at Bachelor of Science and Doc- proach to biological research, and learning) and a Master’s of Landor she worked in New torate of Veterinary Medicine education and conservation

44 www.aza.org | March 2015 Institution News at Mystic Aquarium. The or- Dr. Romano moved her ganization’s new strategic plan research and laboratory to calls for expansion of these Mystic Aquarium in May 2004, Sunset Zoo Awarded Two Grants to efforts and increased focus on assuming the position of vice Support Science Education Initiatives integrated solutions related president of research and veter- to the future of Long Island inary services. For the past fi ve Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kan., was recently selected as the recip- Sound, Narragansett Bay and years, she has led both research ient of two grants from the Greater Manhattan Community Foun- related watersheds. and zoological operations. dation in support of the Zoo’s educational outreach eff orts. Th rough Katie Cubina has been Her new position will put the Foundation’s YES! Fund, $6,000 was awarded to support the with Mystic Aquarium since increased emphasis on aquatic Zoo’s aft er-school career exploration program, Z.O.O. Crew. An 2005 and is an internationally animal research, particularly her additional $1,000 grant was awarded through the Youth Impacting recognized expert in STEM landmark research on beluga Communities program to support the revitalization of the Marjorie education, creating research whales. Mystic Aquarium is the Loub Wildlife Th eater. partnerships for mentoring only institution in New England “Beyond the animal exhibits and visitor trails, we also work programs and combining with belugas on exhibit. hard each day to educate our visitors and our community,” said conservation, research and Dr. Romano graduated with Scott Shoemaker, zoo director. “We appreciate the Greater Manhat- education in youth program- a Bachelor of Science degree in tan Community Foundation’s investment to help us accomplish just ming. She has written and biology from Saint Michael’s that.” produced more than fi ve major College in Colchester, Vt., in Sunset Zoo’s Z.O.O. Crew aft er-school program runs through- curriculum products that are 1986. She received her PhD in out the school year, providing middle and high school youth the widely used in school districts anatomy and neurobiology from opportunity to explore a career in animal care. Each semester, more throughout the country and the University of Rochester. than 20 teenagers volunteer their time to care for the Zoo’s edu- served as executive producer of “Katie Cubina and Tracy cational animal collection, ranging from an armadillo to a North numerous educational fi lm and Romano are outstanding lead- American porcupine to an Ancona duck. Under staff supervision, online media programs. ers,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, the students provide daily feedings and cleaning of the exhibits, Cubina is principal inves- president and chief executive as well as animal enrichment and training. Th e YES! Fund has tigator of a $2 million United offi cer of Mystic Aquarium. supported the Z.O.O. Crew program throughout the last decade.To States Department of Justice “Th ese appointments refl ect learn more about the program, visit SunsetZoo.com/Volunteer. grant, awarded for her proposal the very strong commitment of In addition to the YES! Fund grant, the Zoo also received funds to develop a national youth Mystic Aquarium to local and through the Youth Impacting Communities program. With this mentoring program based on global protection of our oceans. support, Zoo staff will revitalize a popular space for on-grounds Mystic Aquarium’s Immersion We intend to create a truly inte- educational outreach, the Marjorie Loub Wildlife Th eater. Th e Learning program. She earned grated approach to that mission outdoor theater is an excellent site for delivering the Zoo’s sci- her Bachelor’s degree in envi- utilizing real time research and ence-based education programming, especially to school groups, ronmental studies from Oberlin ongoing educational initiatives during a Zoo visit. Th e grant will allow for general updates to the College and a Master’s in science to develop and implement space, as well as integrating new, nature play space elements aimed and environmental education conservation policy and practice at engaging visitors in the wonder of the natural world. Th e project from the University of Maine. here and abroad.” is expected to be complete by fall 2015.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 45 Faces & Places

Houston Zoo on Track for Record Year in Wildlife Conservation A core mission of the Houston support animal-saving wildlife Zoo in Houston, Texas, is to conservation projects like Goril- promote conservation aware- la Doctors and GRACE: Gorilla ness and action and 2014 was a Rehabilitation and Conservation banner year for making a diff er- Education Center. ence for wildlife conservation. One gift recently realized In 2013, the Zoo raised more was from a businessman, than $1.8 million to support its world traveler and passionate met as it implemented ideas for Zoo’s reputation in Houston and conservation eff orts at home conservationist. Charles A. protecting their wildlife neigh- understanding its approach with and abroad. Much of this mon- Perlitz, III crossed the globe bors. Th rough his experiences partners in Africa, Anadarko ey was raised from private and several times on business trips with the Houston Zoo, he was has invested in the eff orts to corporate donations as well as and personal adventures, some inspired to include the organi- protect and grow the remaining grants. However, a large portion of which were with the Houston zation in his will, bequeathing populations of African lions in of the funds are raised by zoo Zoo. It was on these trips that its largest single gift toward Mozambique. Th eir fi ve-year gift members and guests through he discovered the work the Zoo wildlife conservation eff orts. of $330,000 will help complete visiting the Zoo. does to save animals in the wild. Anadarko Petroleum Cor- an environmental and outreach On 15 October 2014, more Charlie understood how closely poration, which has signifi cant center in Africa. Th e center will than 400 Houstonians got glitzy the Zoo works with conserva- operations in Africa, has also train and educate local villagers for gorillas at the annual Feed tion partners who share their seen fi rst-hand the need for for improved job skills and give Your Wild Life Conservation land with the world’s most wildlife conservation. Th ey, too, them a better understanding of Gala. Th e seventh annual event charismatic, yet endangered, understand the value of creating how to safely live with and pro- was held on Zoo grounds and wildlife. He saw that the Zoo partnerships to ensure the suc- tect the lions and other wildlife raised more than $600,000 to ensured the people’s needs were cess of your work. Knowing the in their area.

46 www.aza.org | March 2015 Zoo Supporters Match $10m Gift Zoo. Construction has already from City of Nashville begun on a new entry plaza, entrance road and Andean Nashville Zoo in Nashville, Tenn., Schwartz, president of the Nash- bear exhibit. MARCH 2015 announced that it has matched ville Zoo. “We want to thank “Metro Government is proud the city of Nashville’s $10 million Mayor Karl Dean and the Metro of our investment in the Nashville 9-13: AZA Professional Development Course: investment challenge. Nashville’s Council for their confi dence in Zoo, and we are proud to partner Amphibian Management School $10 million investment in the Zoo our ability to raise this funding. with them in their next phase Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak, Mich. was approved earlier this year as Th eir support speaks volumes of development,” Mayor Dean www.aza.org/professional-training part of the city’s capital funding to the Zoo’s role in making our said. “With the city’s investment budget and was contingent upon city a world-class destination to improve infrastructure at the 21-27: AZA 2015 Mid-Year the Zoo’s ability to match the and is fundamental as we move Zoo—along with private contri- Meeting funds with privately-raised funds. forward with our Grow Wild butions to add animal exhibits Riverbanks Zoo and Garden “Th anks to individual and capital campaign.” and enhance other services—I see Columbia, S.C. foundation support, the Zoo Th e city’s investment will the Nashville Zoo becoming the www.aza.org/midyearmeeting was able to reach the $10 million be used for infrastructural kind of world-class destination 27-29: Sea Otter Conservation mark within fi ve months of the improvements that are part of our residents deserve and tourists Workshop, Seattle Aquarium year-long challenge,” said Rick a long-term plan to expand the will visit.” Seattle, Wash. www.seattleaquarium.org/sea- otter-workshop/2015 Gladys Porter Zoo Director Participates in SpaceX Private Spaceport Groundbreaking APRIL 2015 7-9: Bear TAG Workshop Brownsville, Texas, Mayor Tony Martinez, SpaceX Founder and Chief Executive Offi cer Elon Musk and Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, Ariz. Gladys Porter Zoo Director Dr. Patrick Burchfi eld participated in the SpaceX private spaceport ground- http://reidparkzoo.org/events/ breaking on 22 September 2014 at Boca Chica Beach. Th e new seaside spaceport will be used to launch public/professional commercial satellites into orbit. Dr. Burchfi eld is working with SpaceX offi cials and Th e University of Texas at Brownsville faculty and students to ensure that the SpaceX project, pre and post construction, will not 13-18: AZA Professional aff ect the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles’ natural habitat and to determine future impacts on this species. Development Course: Nature Start Brookfi eld Zoo, Brookfi eld, Ill. www.aza.org/professional-training

APRIL- MAY 2015 27 April-2 May: AZA Professional Development Course: Best Practices in Animal Keeping Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo, N.Y. www.aza.org/professional-training

MAY-JUNE 2015 29 May-5 June: AZA Professional Development Course: Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, Fla. www.aza.org/professional-training

SEPTEMBER 2015 17-21: AZA Annual Conference Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, Utah www.aza.org/annualconference

March 2015 | www.aza.org 47 Faces & Places

Member Updates Daniel Redinger, Assistant Christopher Paul Martin, Dive Safety Offi cer, Landry’s Director, Human Resources, Welcome New Members Downtown Aquarium - Brevard Zoo AZA is pleased to warmly welcome new Professional Denver Ron Patalano, Director of Affi liate, Professional Fellow, Conservation Partners, Yaraila Elena Rodriguez Operations, Roger Williams Accredited Institutions, Certifi ed Related Facilities and Bello, Zoo keeper, Disney’s Park Zoo Commercial Members. Animal Kingdom Chad Showalter, Senior Sarah Roeser, Australian Marketing Manager, Exhibits Husbandry Aide, Newport Aquarium New Professional Jolene Hanna, RVT National Aquarium Beth Wallace, Manager of Affi liate Members Newport Aquarium Benjamin Rossi, Animal Sustainability, Detroit Zoo Lora Baumhardt, Mammal Ashley Hironimus, Houston Registrar, National Aquarium Andrew Eric Wingeier, Supervisor, Dallas Zoo Zoo, Inc. Cheryl Rushton, Utah’s Director of Finance, Potter Derek Benson, Keeper I, Emily Hopper, Busch Hogle Zoo Park Zoological Gardens Sunset Zoological Park Gardens Tampa Bay Cortney Shaw, Carnivore Kylee Breems, Marketing Thomas Jordan, Zoological Supervisor, Houston New/Reinstated Manager, Great Plains Zoo Manager, Disney’s Animal Zoo, Inc. Commercial Members & Delbridge Museum of Kingdom W Brian Simison, Curator, Beanstalk Builders LLC Natural History Amy Karber, Elephant Steinhart Aquarium PO BOX 8357 Sarah Brookes, Bird Keeper, Supervisor, Dallas Zoo Lisa VanSlett, Assistant Morganton, NC 28680-8357 Santa Barbara Zoological John Kaufman, Veterinarian, Supervisor of Carnivores Email: isaac@ Gardens Safari West Wildlife Preserve Dallas Zoo beanstalkjourneys.com Travis Coty, Predator Keeper, Josh Keller, Columbus Zoo Maureen Walsh, Education Phone: (828)430-3441 Birmingham Zoo and Aquarium & Volunteer Coordinator, www.beanstalkbuilders.com/ Sophie Darling, Sea Lions Philip Joseph Kohn Pueblo Zoo Primary Contact: Isaac Hoff Supervisor, Houston Binder Park Zoo Amy Melissa Walters, Zoo, Inc. Nicole Kovara, Staten Steinhart Aquarium Big Bamboo Studios LLC Madison M Denison, Island Zoo Katie Ellen Williams, 515 5th St Heart of Africa Zookeeper, Jamie Kranz, Animal Aquarist, National Aquarium Fairbury, NE 68352 Columbus Zoo and Keeper, Buffalo Zoo James A Zavesky, [email protected] Aquarium Marci A Kurtz, Biologist III, Education Supervisor, Busch (402)587-5043 Ryan Draper, Interactive Aquarium & Rainforest at Gardens Tampa Bay www.bigbamboostudios.com Marketing Coordinator, Moody Gardens, Inc. Primary Contact: Jamie Hunt Houston Zoo, Inc. Bradley Lawrence, New Professional Big Bamboo Studios is a Tomas Fajardo, Education Supervisor, Herps, Dallas Zoo Fellow Members turnkey studio that strives Manager, Busch Gardens Regina M Lester, Assistant Rosalina Marie Fini, Chief for the perfection of each Tampa Bay Director of Security, Toledo Legal & Ethics Offi cer, of its artisan’s craft, to bring Noel Fong, Biologist I, Zoological Gardens Cleveland Metroparks Zoo the best quality in artifi cial Aquarium of the Bay Courtney Macklin, Elephant Jennie Janssen, Manager of environments and theming Heather Marie Fraser, Keeper, Buffalo Zoo Changing Exhibits, National possible. At BBStudios Aviculturist, Audubon Jenna McMichael, Lubee Aquarium we also pride ourselves in Aquarium of the Americas Bat Conservancy Sunny Katseanes, Education bringing this quality product T’noya Gonzales, Assistant Kesley Megilligan, Curator, Tautphaus Park Zoo to the client in the most Behavior Management Membership and Events Amanda Lindell, Director of professional manner and Coordinator, Aquarium Coordinator, BREC’s Baton Professional Development fi nished in the time frame & Rainforest at Moody Rouge Zoo for Educators, Bronx Zoo allowed. BBStudios’ home Gardens, Inc. Cheyenne Mieden, Group Jonathan Todd Hall, Sales Specialist, Milwaukee Corporate Dive Operations County Zoological Gardens Manager, Landry’s Veronica Ortega, Apprentice Downtown Aquarium - Mammal Keeper, Santa For member news, visit Denver Barbara Zoological Gardens www.aza.org/pressroom Emily Hallford, Primate / Kevin W Pope, Director of Children’s Zookeeper, Safety and Security, Houston Tulsa Zoo Zoo, Inc.

48 www.aza.org | March 2015 offi ce is based out of Fairbury, adhering to proper industry Nebraska, but we are taking practices and standards. our un-matched creativity to zoos, aquariums, amusement Midwest Tongs parks and homeowners in 14505 S Harris Rd places all over the U.S. and Greenwood, MO 64034-9388 around the world such as the [email protected] Middle East, Asia, Central (816)537-4444 America, and Puerto Rico just www.tongs.com to name a few. Primary Contact: Our mission at Big Dana Savorelli Bamboo Studios is to provide our clients with Pecan Grove Solutions LLC the best quality of themed 4336 County Road 172 environments using a Alvin, TX 77511-0320 variety of mediums and lawrence@ inspiring design, and with pecangrovesolutions.com the professionalism of our (281)756-8708 rock carvers, artists and www.pecangrovesolutions.com theme builders. Through Primary Contact: creativity and innovation we Lawrence Collins aim to deliver the highest Commercial aquatic system; quality of craftsmanship in repairs, maintenance the theming industry, while and distribution.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 49 50 www.aza.org | March 2015 Exhibits

Texas State Aquarium Breaks Ground on Caribbean Journey Expansion In Corpus Christi, Texas State the original Gulf of Mexico Aquarium staff and Board were exhibit building. joined by elected offi cials and “Th is is truly a historic area leaders on 10 December milestone for the Aquarium,” said 2014 to celebrate the ground- Aquarium President and Chief breaking ceremony of its $50 Executive Offi cer Tom Schmid. million Caribbean Journey “Over 25 years ago, our founders addition - the largest expan- had a vision to take our guests on BruceB HawnH (Board(B d MMember),b ) GGeorge FiFinleyl ((IndividualI di idl sion in the Aquarium’s 24-year a journey from the Gulf of Mexi- Donor), Sue Carey (Larry & Pat McNeil Foundation), Lillian history. Bringing the sights, co into the Caribbean Sea. Today, Riojas (Valero Energy), Ben Donnell (Campaign Co-Chair), sounds and vibrant wildlife of we begin construction on the Larry Urban (Incoming Board Chair & Campaign Cabinet), the Western Caribbean to the fi nal phase of the original master Deneece Squires (Board Chair), Tom Schmid (President & shores of Corpus Christi, the plan, and once open in 2017, CEO), Elinor Donnell (Board Member & Campaign Co- Caribbean Journey addition will this expansion will complete that Chair), Nelda Martinez (Corpus Christi City Mayor), Ken complete the fi nal two phases of vision. We will have one of the Griffi n (AEP), Philip Skrobarczyk (Fulton Construction), Abel the Aquarium’s original master nation’s great Aquariums right Herrero (State Representative), Hugh Dobson (Whataburg- plan and will transform the here in Corpus Christi.” er), Rob Hall (H-E-B). Texas State Aquarium from a A public groundbreaking leading regional aquarium to ceremony was held on the neece Squires and Aquarium an, a capital campaign to raise the one of the top aquariums in Aquarium’s lawn, with speak- President and Chief Executive necessary funds for construction the nation. At four stories and ers including State Represen- Offi cer Tom Schmid. of the Caribbean Journey build- 65,000 square feet, the new tative Abel Herrero, Corpus In late 2012, the Texas State ing. Since then, more than $27 Caribbean Journey expansion Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez, Aquarium launched the leader- million has been raised towards will be signifi cantly larger than Aquarium Board Chair De- ship phase of Campaign Caribbe- the expansion project.

New Exhibit for Galapagos Tortoise Opens at Toledo Zoo

Galapagos tortoise

Visitors to the Toledo Zoo can now visit Emerson, the Galapagos tortoise who arrived in August 2014, at his new quarters at the Zoo’s historic Ziems Conservatory. Th is new exhibit off ers an ideal, climate-controlled environment for the giant tortoise. Th e Conservatory houses a variety of tropical plants under its distinctive glass roof, including bananas, palms and ferns. Some of these are close relatives to fl ora native to the Galapagos Islands. Th e giant tortoise’s species is native to the Galapagos Islands, near Ecuador off the western coast of South America. Galapagos tortoises can live over 150 years, with males measuring up to six feet long and weighing as much as 500 pounds. Th e International Union for Con- Galapagos Tortoise servation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as vulnerable.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 51 Announcements

He also served as a voting member of the Accreditation Com- mission from 2006-2012 and served as chair in 2011-2012. He was a non-voting advisor to the Commission until October 2014. Don also serves as a member of AZA’s Wildlife Conservation ACCREDITATIONInspectors and Management Committee (WCMC) as well as an advisor to of the AZA’s Animal Welfare Committee and the Bear Taxon Advisory Group. In addition to AZA, Don has also led professional training YEAR workshops on zoo safety, design and management in a variety of countries, has been an adjunct professor at several colleges, and has published and co-authored more than four dozen papers and manuals on animal husbandry and behavior. Don’s dedication and volunteerism make him an irreplaceable asset to AZA and to the zoo and aquarium community as a whole. The Inspector of the Year Award Th is award, fi rst presented in 2003, originated as a means of recog- Operations nizing Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Accreditation Inspectors who, throughout their years of service, have donated their Maylon White, Director time to a large number of inspections, and/or whose work has con- North Carolina Aquarium on sistently been of exceptional quality. Th e award is presented annually Roanoke Island to three individuals whose selection is based on those criteria. Maylon White has been involved Serving as an accreditation inspector is a diffi cult task and is in the Association of Zoos and critically important to the integrity of the accreditation process. Th e Aquariums’ (AZA) accreditation enormous amount of time and eff ort required in preparing for and program for more than ten years. performing these inspections is astronomical. Th e Accreditation He has participated on 11 inspec- Commission and AZA are sincerely thankful for the contribution of tion teams, serving as team chair time and expertise that all of our inspectors make to the success of for five of them. Maylon’s interest our accreditation process. Here are AZA’s Inspectors of the Year. in the marine world first began by watching episodes of “Sea Hunt,” which led to a decision to take scuba lessons. After becoming certified in scuba in 1969, he Animal looked for ways to stay underwater as much as possible. Soon Management/ after receiving his Master’s Degree in oceanography, Maylon joined the planning team for the Virginia Marine Science Mu- Husbandry seum (now the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center) Don Moore, PhD, Senior in Virginia Beach, Va. In 2001, he played a large role in helping Scientist/Living Collections the Aquarium obtain AZA accreditation for the first time, Sustainability eventually becoming its director of exhibits and husbandry. In Smithsonian National 2010, Maylon joined the staff of the North Carolina Aquarium Zoological Park on Roanoke Island as its director. In addition to his duties as an Dr. Don Moore is an animal aquarium director and accreditation inspector, he also current- behavior and husbandry expert, ly serves as a member of AZA’s Aquarium Affairs Committee. certifi ed wildlife biologist and Maylon’s vast knowledge and commitment to the zoo and aquar- educator who has helped to renovate and manage several zoos ium profession is recognized and highly valued by colleagues and associated conservation education programs over a span of and by AZA. more than thirty years. He obtained a Master’s Degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, Veterinary followed by a PhD from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Among other institutions, Jeff Wyatt, DVM, Director of Don worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society for ten years as Wildlife Health & Conservation a curator and later as a zoo director prior to joining the Smith- Seneca Park Zoo sonian Institution. He previously led the Smithsonian National Dr. Jeff Wyatt has been an accredita- Zoo’s Animal Care Sciences team and is currently assisting the tion inspector since 1990. In that time Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with species con- he has participated an incredible 41 servation program sustainability. Don has been involved in the times on inspection teams, serving as accreditation program since 2000 and has participated in 12 Team Chair on 21 of those teams. He inspections in that time, serving as team chair for eight of them. frequently serves on multiple teams in

52 www.aza.org | March 2015 a single inspection cycle and has 2015 AZA Photo Contest stepped in on many occasions. Jeff attributes his high school Photos must be taken in years as a Cincinnati Zoo and 2015 or the last three months Botanical Garden junior zool- of 2014 by staff or volunteers ogist as being responsible for at an AZA-accredited institu- his career in zoo conservation tion. Connect staff will judge science. He received a Doctorate the photos, and the winner in veterinary medicine from Th e will appear on the December Ohio State University of Veteri- 2015 cover. Other exceptional nary Medicine in 1982, obtained photos will be highlighted a Master of Public Health degree inside the magazine. Th e pho- from the University of Rochester tos may also appear on AZA’s in 1995 and is specialty board website and/or other promo- certifi ed by the American Col- tional materials. lege of Lab Animal Medicine. He has been with the Seneca Format for Submission: Park Zoo in Rochester, N.Y., for Submissions should include the more than thirty years and also name of the photographer, the serves as professor and chair of AZA institution, the species, the Department of Comparative the date of the picture and the Medicine at the University of equipment used. Only one Rochester School of Medicine photo entry will be accepted & Dentistry. Jeff has extensive per photographer, so send in experience in academic labo- your best image. Pictures can ratory, biomedical agricultural, include animals, people and License: herein will not violate exotic animal and international zoo or aquarium scenes—if you By entering the contest, you or infringe any right, title, wildlife medicine with scholarly think it will make a good cover, grant to AZA, and its succes- or interest of any person or publications in areas of public send it in. sors and assigns, the non-ex- entity; (iii) AZA’s publication health, exotic and research clusive, worldwide, perpet- of your photograph will not animal medicine and wildlife Deadline: ual right and license to use, violate any right of privacy or biology. He served as a voting Th e deadline for entries is 15 display, reproduce, publish, publicity nor create any other member of the Association of September 2015. transmit, and distribute your liability in tort and that you Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) photograph on AZA’s website, have obtained a valid model Accreditation Commission from Format: in our magazine, and/or in any release from any identifi able, 2007-2013 and now serves the JPG, TIFF or EPS; 300+ dpi and other promotional materials. individual person who is the Commission in a non-voting ad- 9”x12” in size (jpgs preferred). Your grant and license shall subject of the photograph; (iv) visory capacity. Jeff is also cur- Both electronic and hard also apply to any reprints, you are not a party to and your rently a member of AZA’s Ethics copy images will be accept- revised editions, or derivative photograph is not subject to Board. His extensive knowledge, ed—though electronic images works in any media or format, any contract or arrangement commitment to the zoo and are preferred. All submissions whether now or hereaft er that would confl ict with your aquarium profession and long become the property of AZA known, including without permission herein; and (v) you history of volunteerism make and will not be acknowledged limitation other kinds of print agree to indemnify and hold Jeff a valuable asset to AZA and or returned. Send electronic media and electronic media. harmless AZA against any its accreditation program. images to Tim Lewthwaite at By entering the contest damages, losses, or expenses [email protected] with you also represent, acknowl- occurring as a result of any “Photo Contest” in the subject edge and warrant that (i) the claimed breach of warranty. line. Hard copies may be submitted photograph is an For more news and mailed to: original work created solely Release Form: announcements, visit 2015 Photo Contest by you, and you are the sole To be considered for publi- Tim Lewthwaite owner of all right, title, and cation in Connect, all contest www.aza.org AZA Publications Manager interest in and to your photo- photos that include people 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710 graph, including the copyright; must be accompanied by AZA’s Silver Spring, MD (ii) AZA’s publication of your Model Release Form signed by 20910-3314. photograph as authorized each person depicted.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 53 Announcements

AZA Comittee Call for Service

Dear Colleagues: Greetings! As the Chair-Elect of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), it is my pleasure to announce this “Call for Service” and request that you consider serving on an AZA Com- mittee. We all depend on the expertise of our colleagues—on both a personal and institutional level, and from the perspective of zoos and aquariums of all sizes. With the introduction of SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction), the work of our committees is more important than ever. Please consider committing your time to help us advance our collective goals. To fi ll out your application form go to: www.aza.org/get-involved Committee service is very rewarding; however, it does involve attendance at committee meetings each year, in addition to ongoing work and regular conference calls. Th erefore, it is important to have to: [email protected]. We need to hear from you the explicit support of your Director as you undertake this responsibil- by 1 May so I can complete the appointments prior to the Annual ity. Th e term of service on most Committees is three years. Conference in September. It is my privilege, as Chair-Elect, to match your expertise and de- Th ere is great personal and professional satisfaction in support- sires with the needs of the committees. While we may receive more ing our Association through its committees and programs. We have volunteer applications than available positions, I assure you we will loft y goals within our Association—together we can meet these do everything possible to involve you. goals, and in the process help all of our aquariums and zoos meet Here is how it works: if you are interested in serving on one of their missions as well. I look forward to hearing from and working the committees listed below, you must be an individual member of with you. AZA. If you are not a member, you can join now by contacting mem- Steve Burns [email protected]. You may then apply to serve. Please go to www. Director, Zoo Boise aza.org/get-involved to fi ll out the application form and then send it Chair-Elect, AZA Board of Directors

Below is a list of committees and tation Commission on develop- issues; and understanding and visitor demographics, knowl- a brief outline of some of the ment and/or review of health-re- infl uencing public perception edge, attitudes and motivations ways they serve the AZA. lated accreditation standards; about animal welfare in AZA to foster more eff ective public and acting as a liaison between zoos and aquariums. conservation education; and Accreditation AZA, American Association of ensures that AZA accreditation Evaluates accreditation materi- Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), and Annual Conference Program standards for education refl ect als, develops standards, reviews animal health regulatory agen- Ensures the highest quality and current best practices and inspection reports and grants cies, such as U.S. Department constant improvement of AZA facilitates members’ adherence certifi cation and accreditation. of Agriculture (USDA) and the conferences to maximize dele- to these standards. Center for Disease Control and gate experience, conference host Animal Health Prevention (CDC). experience, program quality, Field Conservation Ensures the highest quality and administrative effi ciency and Assists all AZA institutions in most comprehensive animal Animal Welfare fi nancial excellence. eff ective and sustained wildlife health care in all AZA-accred- Ensures that animal welfare is and habitat conservation. ited facilities by: draft ing and a central tenet of AZA’s animal Conservation Education reviewing health-related guide- programs by: defi ning and in- Strengthens the services AZA Government Affairs lines and policies as requested by creasing a common understand- provides its members for Assists in development of the AZA Board, and other Sci- ing of animal welfare; identifying developing and delivering the AZA positions on legislation entifi c Advisory Groups (SAGs) and encouraging the develop- highest quality public conser- and regulations aff ecting the and AZA programs; responding ment of animal welfare research vation education programs and membership. to emerging disease issues by projects and assessment tools; involving people in conserva- draft ing protocols, guidelines, educating and engaging AZA tion action; heightens public Honors & Awards and recommendations for AZA zoos and aquariums in using/ap- awareness of the crucial roles Evaluates and honors achieve- institutions; providing review of plying welfare assessment tools; of zoos and aquariums in ments in the zoo and aquarium research or conservation pro- driving the creation of husbandry conserving wildlife; devel- profession, including educational posals for Conservation Grants guidelines for all taxa; proactively ops education resources for programming, animal manage- Fund (CGF) and other granting identifying and addressing inter- members, teachers, students, ment, conservation, exhibition bodies; working with Accredi- nal and external animal welfare the public and others; clarifi es design, diversity and marketing.

54 www.aza.org | March 2015 Marketing Aquarium Affairs Safety trends to provide actionable, Serves to enhance the AZA Provides input and feedback to Addresses emerging safety issues forward-looking data and tools membership and generate new the AZA Board of Directors on and serves as a primary resource so AZA is strategically antici- revenue streams by providing issues that are uniquely aquatic in for gathering and disseminating pating and meeting the needs of expertise and support for build- nature in order to guide policy. best practices in safety within its members. ing awareness and participation • Assists the AZA Board in zoos and aquariums. in AZA and its programs; serves reviewing proposed AZA Volunteer Management as the industry’s leading voice on policies, committee or Trends Provides practical resources and marketing trends and opportu- conservation unit mandates, Identifi es, evaluates and pri- support for AZA professionals nities; and shares best practices accreditation standards, etc. oritizes industry and external that work with volunteers. in marketing programs among for their potential eff ect on the the membership. aquatic institutional member- Have your Zoo & Aquarium sales fi gures left you out in the cold? ship or on institutions with Membership aquatic collections, which typi- Did you forget to Monitors and reviews member- cally require unique animal ship-related matters, including management approaches. AZA member benefi ts, and assists • Assists AZA in assimilating with recruitment and retention. membership directives into the aquatic institution culture. For rate sheet and contract information, Professional Development Oversees the development, Business Operations visit www.aza.org/Advertising administration and assess- Provides mentoring and net- or call (301) 562-0777, ext. 254. ment of the Association’s working opportunities for zoo professional development and and aquarium colleagues; engag- training programs. es new commercial vendors in AZA; explores cooperative pur- Public Relations chasing opportunities that may Provides public relations ensure savings for members; and advice and counsel to the establishes ethics and standards AZA. Engages in outreach to for business operations. Advertiser Index A Thru Z Consulting and Distributing, Inc...... 42 professionals within the AZA Aquaculture System Technologies, LLC ...... 46 community to share public Diversity Aqua Logic, Inc...... 56 relations best practices. Leads Creates a culture within AZA Carnivore Essentials ...... 17 Cemrock Landscapes, Inc. Naturalistic Environments ...... 49 in the development of public that inspires respect and under- Central Nebraska Packing, Inc...... Back Cover relations programming at AZA standing of the value of diversi- CLR Design ...... 61 conferences and meetings. ty. As a core value of AZA, the Corners Limited ...... 14 COST of Wisconsin, Inc...... 57 committee’s work is pertinent to Dan Inject Dart Guns ...... 58 Wildlife Conservation & the successful management of GLMV Architecture, Inc...... 43 zoos and aquariums. K&K Insurance Group, Inc...... 58 Management The Mason Company ...... 63 Facilitates the professional McRoberts Sales Co., Inc...... 60 and scientific management Enterprise Met-Pro Global Pump Solutions - Fybroc ...... 62 Milliken Meats ...... 15 of AZA member institutions’ Develops enterprises that Nets Unlimited, Inc...... 59 animal collections. WCMC establish new and sustainable, Northeast Brine Shrimp ...... 58 develops, oversees, promotes, non-dues revenue streams. Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems ...... 2 PMI® Nutrition International ...... 5 evaluates and supports the The Portico Group ...... 62 cooperative animal manage- Research & Technology Richards-Wilcox, Inc...... 6 ment, programs and initiatives Advances the use of research RodentPro.com, LLC ...... Inside Back Cover Skulls Unlimited International, Inc...... Inside Front Cover of the AZA. and technology to promote the Tenji, Inc...... 61 use of good science throughout TokensDirect ...... 43 the zoo and aquarium profes- Tom Tischler Bronze ...... 63 SPECIAL COMMITTEES Torre Design Consortium, Ltd...... 50 Advancement sion, identifi es best practices and Trains of America, Inc/Island Carousel, Inc...... 50 Provides experience and applies their applications and facilitates Triple A Brand Meat Company ...... 51 US Mysids, Inc...... 49 the tools of fundraising and communication among the sci- WDM Architects ...... 6 friendraising to the unique chal- entifi c and animal management Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc...... 16 lenges of zoos and aquariums. and education communities.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 55 56 www.aza.org | March 2015 Announcements

Call for Papers Honors and Awards Applications Due 1 June 2015 2015 Annual Conference Call for Papers Hurry! Submission Deadline Friday, 17 April It’s time to share your successes and exceptional work! Apply for the follow- The AZA Annual Conference Program Committee is looking ing awards recognizing excellence in the zoo and aquarium community. for your expertise and enthusiasm regarding the latest topics • Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award and trends to be a part of the 2015 Annual Conference • Education Award program. Coordinate a session submission or share your • Volunteer Engagement Award knowledge and great ideas as an individual paper or poster. • Excellence in Marketing Award View the Call for Papers helpful hints and hot topics at www. • Green Award aza.org/annualconference. Submission deadline is Friday, 17 • Edward H. Bean Award April, 5:00 p.m. Eastern. • Exhibit Award (due 1 June, but please let us know that you are applying by 1 May) • North American Conservation Award Call for Service • International Conservation Award Nominations are also due on 1 June 2015 for these awards honoring 2015 AZA Call for Service outstanding individuals in our profession. Professional Development Course Instructors - Come teach • Tim O’Sullivan Award with AZA. The Professional Development Committee invites • Devra Kleiman Scientifi c Advancement Award you to apply to be an instructor for an AZA professional • Wendy Fisher Award training course. AZA’s courses are team-taught by experi- Applications and guidelines for all of these awards are available at enced and knowledgeable professionals from the zoo and www.aza.org/honors-awards. Awards will be presented at the 2015 aquarium community. Learn all the details at www.aza.org/ AZA Annual Conference (17-21 September) in Salt Lake City hosted professional-development. Application deadline is 1 May. by Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

March 2015 | www.aza.org 57

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Need To Re-dress Your Nest? Nest? Your Re-dress To Need 60 www.aza.org | March 2015 March 2015 | www.aza.org 61 62 www.aza.org | March 2015 March 2015 | www.aza.org 63 CAMERON PARK ZOO Waco, Texas Cameron Park Zoo announced announced the successful hatching of two Komodo dragons. While all animal births are exciting, these Komodo dragons are especially interesting because they were possibly hatched via a process called parthenogenesis. HOUSTON ZOO A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization Houston, Texas from a male because it inherits and duplicates Miráq, a one-month-old the mother’s chromosomes. endangered okapi, made his public debut at the Houston Zoo on Tuesday, 9 December 2014. Okapi THE WILDSWILDS are solitary animals, also known as Cumberland, Ohiohio the “forest giraff e,” and are native A male southern white rhinoo to the Democratic Republic of the born at the Wilds on 12 Congo in Central Africa. November 2014 is the fi rst fi ft h generation white rhino born on record outside of Africa. Th e Wilds is a 10,000-acre conservation center that produced the fi rst fourth generation white rhino CLEVELAND outside of Africa in 2009. Th e e METROPARKS ZOO Wilds remains the only facility to Cleveland, Ohio produce fourth generation calves;alves; seven have been born to ddate.ate. A baby Bornean orangutan was born on 5 October 2014 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It’s the fi rst orangutan birth at the Zoo since 2006. Th e Zoo participates in the AQUARIUM OF Bornean Orangutan Species Survival THE PACIFIC Plan® (SSP). Long Beach, California Th e Aquarium of the Pacifi c announced that it is the fi rst to be able to successfully reproduce zebra sharks through artifi cial insemination. Th e pair of 10-month-old sharks are now on OMAHA’SOMA HENRY DOORLY ZOO exhibit in the Aquarium’s Shark ANAND AQUARIUM Lagoon shallow pool. OOmaha, Nebraska Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a female giraff e calf on 4 November 2014. She weighed 138 pounds and was 72 For more Births & Hatchings, inches tall at birth. Giraff e are listed aas Least Concern on the International visit our website: www.animalsinc.net UnUnion for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)(IUC Red List of Th reatened Species™.

64 www.aza.org | March 2015

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A publication of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Shrouded in Mystery Understanding the Conservation Status of Sharks

THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE… Renew your AZA membership TODAY (see back panel for details) Benefits Connect with these valuable resources for Professional Associate, Professional Affiliate Available and Professional Fellow Members • Stay informed about the zoo and aquarium professional community to AZA with a subscription to AZA’s newly redesigned Connect magazine, and the monthly member e-newsletter, INSIGHT; Professional • Access to Members-Only areas of the AZA website (www.aza.org) where you’ll find animal management information, member directory Members listings, conference proceedings and more; • Eligibility to serve on an AZA committee if selected; • Tap into thousands of dollars to pursue research and conservation work through Conservation Grants Fund – eligibility exclusive for AZA members; • Save with deep discounts on conference and professional development registrations; • Plan field study at other zoos and aquariums and receive discounted – or free – admissions; • View AZA’s Job Board for employment listings of open positions across the country and internationally; • Network with peers on the AZA Network – bringing together individuals that share knowledge, best practices and experiences – featuring the Marketplace! • Receive priority enrollment in AZA’s professional development training programs, where you’ll learn skills and enhance career advancement opportunities in various zoo and aquarium management courses; • Take advantage of AZA’s Smart Source program, and enjoy deep cooperative purchasing discounts on products and services you and your organization use every day. • Access to view the online Member Directory - including zoo and AZA network aquarium demographics and staff rosters.

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Professional Fellow Members Premier value for Professional Fellow members, representing committed management experts in AZA-accredited institutions and certified related facilities.

• Signify your commitment and leadership with your peers in shaping the policy of AZA with voting rights in association elections; • Take your involvement one step further with eligibility to chair a committee; • Receive benchmarking statistics and reports; FEBRUARY 2015 • Access to view Animal Exchange online. Renew your membership today! 201Ć Individual Professional C[cX[h Reinstate Form

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Membership category eligibility is based on employment status; please refer to Professional Associate: Zoo and aquari- specific category eligibility requirements before submitting your h[d[mWb. um employees or volunteers/docents;
individuals seeking employment or in a
AZA memberships are based on a calendar year, January 1 through December 31.
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Prices are current through 201Ć. commercial interest in zoos or aquari- ums. Consultants and employees of for- profit entities that provide products or
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Professional Associate ...... $80.00 the commercial entity is also a member. Professional Affiliate: Individuals Professional Affiliate ...... $95.00 working at an AZA member ......  organization, either part- or full-time. Professional Fellow $195.00 Employment must be verified by CEO. Professional Fellow: Individuals working at an AZA Institution, Related Facility, or Conservation Partner member in a Please complete and sign this h[d[mWb and
management capacity. Employment and return it with check or money order to: Contact management capacity must be verified AZA Membership Phone: 301-562-0777 by the CEO. Fax: 301-562-0888 Management positions are those that participate PO Box 79863 in the decision-making processes that influence Baltimore, MD 21279-0863 Email: [email protected] and direct the operations, planning, purposes and goals of the organization. › C[j^eZ
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› Ethical Agreement (Documents available at http://www.aza.org/Ethics/) I hereby make application for membership in AZA. If elected, I will abide by the Association’s Code of Professional Ethics, Charter & Bylaws and duly adopted resolutions, and support its objectives. I understand that any conduct prejudicial to or in violation of the above will be cause for revocation of my membership. I_]dWjkh[0
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FOR YOUR RECORDS: The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a 501(c)3, non-profit, tax exempt organization. No amount of this dues payment is deduct- ible as a contribution for federal income tax purposes. Memberships are non-transferable. All checks must be issued in US dollars and drawn on a US bank. A service fee of $35 will be applied to any check returned by the bank. Please do not send cash. *Phone, fax and e-mail addresses are for AZA use only and will not be sold, rented, or shared. PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

American Association of PAID Zoological Parks And Aquariums Rockville, Maryland PERMIT #4297 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 (301) 562-0777 www.aza.org

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