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2017 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from Dan Ashe 1 Saving Species 2 Goals and Measures of Success 4 SAFE Species 5 Project Coordinators/Collaborators 11 Engaging People 14 Program Support 17

“As we educate the public on how and aquariums have evolved over the last several decades and some question our relevancy in today’s world, we must demonstrate that we exist for a higher purpose beyond the exhibition of . And that purpose is the conservation of species in the wild. Working together, we have the ambitious goal of contributing $1 billion to field conservation over the next five years. SAFE is the mechanism that will allow all AZA- accredited facilities to engage in this mission and help us achieve this goal.”

Jim Breheny, Executive Vice President & General Director, Zoos & Aquariums, WCS and the Jonathan Little Cohen Director of the Bronx 1 A Message from Dan Ashe

I joined the Association of Zoos and Aquariums last January in part because I saw the potential for the community to make a significant difference for conservation. On my arrival, the AZA Board of Directors — already committed to SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction — asked me to make SAFE more successful and inclusive. In SAFE, I see a path forward for AZA members to do more to save species. Because we are facing a global extinction crisis, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and all conservation organizations, must step up their game.

We have had many successes with SAFE this past year. The AZA community stepped forward with a heroic effort to save the vaquita. In 2017, AZA members contributed over a million dollars to the VaquitaCPR rescue effort, jump-starting a dramatic rescue operation late in the year. The “Invest In The Nest” Kickstarter campaign engaged a global community to help save endangered African penguins, becoming the first Kickstarter campaign to help an endangered species. Less than three percent of all Kickstarter campaigns seeking to raise over $100,000 are successful, and thanks to you, ours was one of them. Over six million people tuned in to a Facebook Live marathon that highlighted species conservation and care.

But the extinction crisis demands that we grow SAFE. To accomplish this, SAFE has become a member-driven program, with AZA staff supporting a framework that can help members do more and better conservation.

In 2016, AZA-accredited facilities contributed more than $216 million to protect wild animals and wild . SAFE leverages that conservation work and the commitment of our members to build capacity so that the entire AZA community can engage in conservation. We will do better conservation by aggregating member efforts and leveraging each other’s skills.

This 2017 SAFE Annual Report shares the progress made over the past year. I hope you are as inspired as I am about the potential for SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction.

Dan Ashe

President and CEO December, 2017 2

“I can’t imagine a world without ! But with giraffe already locally extinct in seven African countries, this could happen. To save the species we love, we need new ideas and new collaborations. The AZA’s SAFE program is helping bring together the passion, expertise and voice of zoos to make sure the wildlife we love don’t go extinct on our watch.”

Liza Dadone, VMD VP of Mission and Programs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; Co-Liaison, Giraffe SAFE Program; Member, IUCN SSC Giraffe and Specialist Group

Vision

Together we are saving the most vulnerable wildlife species from extinction and protecting them for future generations.

Mission

The mission of SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction is to combine the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA members and partners to save animals from extinction. 3

SAFE SPECIES: Saving Species »» In early 2017, we began developing the framework to support SAFE as a member-led program, »» Asian with giraffe as a pilot species. This initiative has informed the transition of SAFE. »» Black A key aspect of SAFE is that of collaboration. This includes collaboration among AZA-accredited »» facilities: SAFE Species program teams are required to have two or more AZA member »» participants when they apply for a new program. SAFE also encourages collaboration with the »» Sea larger conservation community—from the International Union for Conservation of Nature »» Sharks and rays (IUCN), to government agencies and conservation organizations/NGOs—to create three-year »» Vaquita SAFE Program Plans that are linked to and advance already established conservation plans for that species. »» SAFE Conservation Action Plans have already been developed for African penguin, cheetah, »» Whooping crane sharks and rays, western pond , giraffe, and vaquita, and include specific projects that NEW IN 2017: provide opportunities for AZA zoo and aquarium colleagues to become involved in species »» African vultures conservation. »» Black-footed ferret »» Giraffe »»

“With so many species and habitats around the world facing growing pressures to survive, it is invaluable to see the enormous efforts of AZA members towards conservation in the field, through research and in education. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission believes our growing partnership with AZA is crucial to prioritizing and mobilizing conservation action around the world, linking efforts within accredited zoos and aquariums to those in the wild and continuing to work together to secure a thriving future for wildlife and wild places.”

Jon Paul Rodriguez, Chair, IUCN SSC 4

Goals of SAFE Measures of Success 2017–2022

»» focus collective expertise and »» Meaningful stories to tell about SAFE Species each year leverage audiences to save species »» 100% of members involved in field conservation

»» build capacity within AZA »» Contribute >$1 billion to support field conservation members to engage in meaningful, »» Partners/stakeholders inspired to contribute additional $1 billion+ strategic and collaborative »» 30+ SAFE Species conservation »» AZA community works together for conservation »» achieve clear measures of success »» AZA members recognized as leading conservation organizations at 5 and 10 years

»» provide a straightforward Measures of Success 2023–2028 framework for engagement »» Contribute >$1.5 billion to field conservation »» expand the reputation of AZA »» Partners/stakeholders inspired to contribute additional $1.5 billion+ members as leading conservation organizations • A 10-year field conservation investment >$5 billion »» Field conservation is a cultural norm and professional obligation for AZA members »» 50+ SAFE Species »» Demonstrated conservation impacts for SAFE Species »» A shift in positive public opinion about member aquariums and zoos

“All zoos — no matter how big or small — should become actively involved in conservation efforts; that’s who we are as a profession. SAFE now gives us a clearer framework to become involved with partners around the globe on species conservation projects.”

Elizabeth Whealy, President and CEO of the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge of Natural History 5

“AZA members stepped up to help save a critically endangered species and, knowing the risks, made this historic conservation project possible. AZA’s generous support has raised global awareness about the plight of the vaquita and the need to continue working with the Mexican government on a conservation plan that can still save the most endangered marine mammal in the world.”

Dr. Cynthia Smith, VaquitaCPR, Executive Director of the National Marine Mammal Foundation

SAFE Species Vaquita

In early 2017, the Mexican government declared the need for an emergency effort to relocate vaquita to a safe haven until their natural is cleared of gillnets. Entanglement in gillnets is the biggest threat facing vaquita and with fewer than 30 individuals alive, the vaquita is the most endangered cetacean in the world.

AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos rose to the occasion in response to the Mexican government’s decision. Over 100 members contributed more than $1 million to the rescue project, while others made staff available to develop plans, protocols, and facilities for the search and housing of animals; help the international team operate efficiently and maximize communication; and provide husbandry expertise in the event of vaquita being brought into human care. The funds raised by AZA members helped convince the Mexican government to commit an additional $3 million to the rescue effort.

A team of 65 scientists from nine countries was assembled in preparation, and efforts to rescue the remaining vaquita began in October. The dire situation vaquita are facing called for a courageous approach. But by the end of the 24-day field season, weather had permitted the team to conduct searches on just 13 days. And even with the tremendous expertise of the teams involved, only two animals were safely caught and transported; one was released immediately due to young age and the other died shortly after release. The rescue project was called off and next steps for the overall recovery plan are being considered. 6

But elsewhere, efforts to save the vaquita continue.

Shrimp fisheries in the region were evaluated by Monterey Bay Aquariums’ Seafood Watch program, so consumers could understand the environmental impact of their seafood purchases — including the effect on species like the vaquita. AZA commercial member McRoberts Sales, one of the AZA community’s largest seafood suppliers for animal diets, became a Seafood Watch Business Collaborator, offering the community a way to leverage their purchasing power to benefit vaquita.

The heart of the market driving the use of gillnets in vaquita habitat is an endangered species called totoaba: a fish highly prized in . In 2017, Ocean Park Hong Kong led a study to better understand the illegal trade and consumption patterns of totoaba fish maw in Hong Kong and Southern China. The results of this study will inform an approach aimed at reducing demand in these markets.

AZA members are also helping local communities identify and develop new economic opportunities to alleviate pressure to engage in this illegal fishing, such as tourism, aquaculture and artisanal products. Additionally, working with government agencies and partners, AZA members are exploring the development of a vaquita-friendly label to support fishermen using vaquita-friendly fishing gear.

As long as the vaquita’s struggle continues, the AZA community remains ready to help. 7

African Penguin As a result of the over-harvest of bird guano for fertilizer, African penguins can no longer create burrows for nests, leaving them, their eggs and their chicks exposed to extreme African penguins took center-stage temperatures and predators. Artificial nests may offer a solution, but creating one fine-tuned as SAFE delivered on its promise of to the environment and the penguins’ needs isn’t easy. This year, two design finalists were combining the expertise of AZA-accredited tested at six geographically diverse AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, plus two in South zoo and aquarium staff with the power of . The winning design will then be manufactured locally in and installed our visitors to help save species. among African penguin colonies, providing cover for vulnerable penguins.

This spring, AZA member zoos and Efforts to help penguins extend well beyond the nest. Methods to identify (and thus track) aquariums engaged their communities individual penguins are critical to saving them. SAFE provided local rescue, rehabilitation in a Kickstarter campaign through and release centers with identification methods — using passive integrated transponder (PIT) traditional and social media. The campaign tags and receivers to monitor resident, introduced, reintroduced and/or translocated African was featured in member communications. penguins, informing management. Staff from AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums visited the Newport Aquarium staff even used the centers, strengthening relationships and assisting with tag implementation. megatron at a Cincinnati Reds game SAFE also supported the purchase of GPS units, underwater cameras, depth loggers and to highlight the challenges facing this accelerometer equipment to improve knowledge of African penguin movements associated species! The campaign was very successful with foraging and other activity in the marine environment. and enough money was raised to purchase and install 1,500–2,000 artificial nests. And in the spirit of the “One Plan” approach to species conservation, AZA’s African penguin ® strengthened its own sustainability by re-integrating hybrid penguins into the managed population and supporting scientific advances for penguin health.

“Talking a “good game” in conservation is easy. I have seen a multitude of great research and wonderful scientific publications about the plight of the African penguin. As a man of action, the missing link between words and practical implementation has always been a thorny issue for me. The rehab of African penguins is important but it is re-active. We need to get in front of the problem, lobby for more Marine Protected areas, address the over- fishing. This is a massive task. The good news is that we can also focus on projects that will make a difference. The collaboration with the AZA on the African penguin artificial nest project gives me hope because we are putting our money where our mouths are.”

Wilfred Chivell, Chairman, Dyer Island Conservation Trust 8

Sharks and Rays

It is clear that sharks and rays need better marketing. SAFE is helping the public better understand how sharks and rays contribute to ocean health, the threats they are facing and the declines we see in the wild, as well as how people can make a difference.

After surveying members on their needs, educators from the AZA community have gathered monthly to develop key messages and strategies to help the community connect better with the public. Education staff from the Seattle Aquarium presented at the scientific American Elasmobranch Society conference, opening the door to increased collaboration and communication across disciplines.

Policy changes are also critical to saving sharks and rays. In 2017, AZA supported a bi- partisan bill to ban shark finning — a process whereby sharks are killed only for their fins, and the fins are sold to countries like China for use in shark fin soup, a traditional dish associated with banquets and weddings. Additionally, SAFE is a proud partner of a national campaign led by the Wildlife Conservation Society to advance further legislation to protect sharks and rays and raise awareness of their plight.

Along the eastern seaboard, AZA-accredited aquariums are augmenting existing research to understand shark movement and migration through tagging sharks and creating a photo-documentation citizen science project for divers, hoping to serve as a model for other coastal members in the future.

And the Marine Fishes TAG is leading the effort to collaborate with experts around the world to advance three priorities: an international elasmobranch census, the creation and maintenance of a phlebotomy and blood chemistry registry, and the development of Animal Care Manuals to share and enhance best practices in animal management. 9

Western Pond Turtle SAFE was a partner in a state wildlife grant awarded this year to three state agencies that will provide critical funds for population assessments and other projects. An unidentified shell Western pond turtles are an endangered disease remains a major threat to this turtle species, but significant progress in studying this species whose range extends throughout disease was made with the finding of a fungal pathogen in the genus Chrysosporium. Recent the western . Unfortunately, research at the University of Illinois includes a phylogeny of fungal samples from western long-standing recovery efforts for the pond turtles in the wilds of Washington and from two zoos. A partnership with the John G. western pond turtle were almost as Shedd Aquarium continues to explore the bacterial microbiomes on the shells of western fragmented as the turtle’s habitat. SAFE pond turtles with and without disease, and those within both ex situ and natural habitats. has promoted the development of a Even as the recovery effort embarks on new projects, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums Range-Wide Conservation Coalition, continue to release and monitor western pond turtle hatchlings at approved sites, study complete with a draft Memorandum of and improve their husbandry and management, and engage their visiting public and local Understanding and Management Plan communities about this turtle and the people coming together to save them. to facilitate collaboration across and among state and federal agencies and with partners such as AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Expanding communication and collaboration has already proven beneficial by changing attitudes, bringing on new partners, and advancing agency priorities. 10

Cheetah

The second annual survey of AZA-accredited facilities with indicates that powerful — and empowering — messaging and interpretation remains a niche for the SAFE team to fill and their data-driven approach to addressing this need remains a model for other SAFE species programs. The SAFE team has used December 4th, International Cheetah Day, as the focal point for distributing and enhancing messaging, and enthusiasm for this day is high. Cheetah runs (both by cheetah and people) and other natural behavior demonstrations, social media (#loud4cheetah) and keeper chats are widely embraced and easily integrate key conservation messages.

Partnerships with people and organizations throughout the cheetah’s range continue to strengthen and spotlight areas where AZA-accredited members can assist, such as in population management (monitoring and managing reproduction), capacity building and supporting snare-removal and anti-snaring efforts.

The cheetah Species Survival Plan® leads the way in understanding the cheetah genome and is examining the relatedness and genetic origins of cheetahs in the North American population. The genomics project has established a partnership with the Kenyan Wildlife Service and is analyzing samples from 144 individual cheetahs. The SSP® also is working effectively on assisted breeding research. 11

Thanks to Our Project Coordinators and Collaborators:

AFRICAN PENGUINS »» South African Association for »» Phoenix Zoo »» African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary Marine Biological Research »» Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium »» AZA African Penguin Conservation Project »» South African National Parks »» Population Management Center » Southern African Foundation for the »» AZA African Penguin Species Survival Plan® » »» Range Wide Conservation Plan Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) »» »» »» University of Bristol »» BirdLife South Africa »» Zoo »» University of Cape Town »» CapeNature »» Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute »» University of Exeter »» Dallas Zoo »» South African National Parks »» UShaka Sea World »» The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens »» Department of Environmental Affairs » The Maryland Zoo at Baltimore Republic of South Africa CHEETAH » »» The Wilds »» Dyer Island Conservation Trust »» AZA Cheetah Species Survival Plan® »» University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign »» Keramicalia »» »» White Oak Conservation Center »» Lehigh Valley Zoo »» Busch Gardens »» Wild Nature Institute »» Marine Research Institute »» Caldwell Zoo »» Wildlife Safari »» The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore »» Cheetah Conservation Fund »» Zoo Miami »» Mystic Aquarium »» Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden »» National »» SHARKS AND RAYS »» Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University »» Columbus Zoo & Aquarium »» »» Newport Aquarium »» Conservation Centers for Species Survival »» Audubon Aquarium of the Americas »» Oceanographic Research Institute »» Denver Zoo »» »» Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium »» Disney’s Animal Kingdom »» Science Center »» Dallas World Aquarium »» Owens Coming »» »» Florida Aquarium »» Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria »» Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (PAAZA) »» Georgia Aquarium »» Houston Zoo »» Republic of South Africa DEA »» International Union for Conservation of »» Nature Species Survival Commission »» Robben Island Museum »» Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens »» John G. Shedd Aquarium »» Global »» Metro Richmond Zoo »» Living Desert Museum »» Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre »» Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium »» Mote Marine Laboratory »» SeaWorld »» Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria »» National Aquarium » Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute » (PAAZA) »» North Carolina Aquariums »» Smithsonian National Zoological Park »» Panthera »» 12

»» Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium »» Oregon Coast Aquarium »» »» Aquarium at Legoland »» »» PAWS »» SEA LIFE Michigan »» San Diego Zoo Global »» »» South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction »» SEA LIFE Aquarium Carlsbad »» and Conservation (SEZARC) »» SEA LIFE Orlando »» San Diego Zoo Global »» Shark Advocates International »» Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos »» and Gardens »» Shark Trust Naturales (SEMARNAT), Mexico »» Sonoma State University »» The DEEP (UK) »» Texas State Aquarium »» Southern Oregon and Northern California »» Wildlife Conservation Society »» The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Turtle Working Group (New York Aquarium/WCS) »» The Marine Mammal Center »» Sustainability in Prisons Project at Larch »» The Ocean Project VAQUITA Mountain Correctional Facility »» US Marine Mammal Commission »» Aarhus University »» The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens »» University of North Carolina – Wilmington » Aquarium of the Pacific »» The Wildlife Project » »» Utah’s »» Turtle Conservancy »» Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum »» VaquitaCPR (Conservation, Protection, »» Baja Aqua Farms Recovery) »» University of Illinois »» Bayside Hospital for Animals »» WhaleTimes »» US Fish and Wildlife Service »» California State University »» Wild Lens »» US Forest Service »» Chicago Zoological Society »» US Geological Survey WESTERN POND TURTLE »» Cosley Zoo »» VCA Animal Hospitals »» AECOM »» Dolphin Quest, Inc. »» Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife »» AZA Western Pond Turtle Species »» Duke University Marine Lab »» Washington State University Survival Plan® »» El Paso Zoo »» »» Behler Chelonian Center »» Greenland Institute of Natural Resources »» Zoo Knoxville »» California Department of Fish and Wildlife »» Instituto Nacional de Ecología, (INECC), Mexico »» Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service »» California Science Center »» John G. Shedd Aquarium »» Conservacion de Fauna del Noroeste »» Mexican Navy »» »» Seafood Watch »» IUCN SSC Conservation Planning »» Museo de la Ballena Specialist Group »» Mystic Aquarium »» John G. Shedd Aquarium »» National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest »» Lower Willamette Turtle Working Group Fisheries Science Center »» Nevada Department of Fish and Wildlife »» National Marine Mammal Foundation »» »» North Carolina Aquariums »» Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife »» Ocean Park Hong Kong 13

New in 2017:

AFRICAN VULTURES »» Denver Zoo »» & Botanical Gardens »» North Carolina Zoo »» Saint Louis Zoo »» San Diego Zoo Global »» St. Augustine’s Alligator Farm »» Tracy Aviary

BLACK-FOOTED FERRET »» Louisville Zoological Garden »» Cheyenne Mountain Zoo »» Phoenix Zoo »» Smithsonian’s National Zoo/SCBI »»

GIRAFFE »» Cheyenne Mountain Zoo »» Cleveland Metroparks Zoo »» Columbus Zoo & Aquarium »» North Carolina Zoo »» Oregon Zoo »» Roosevelt Park Zoo »» Saint Louis Zoo »» San Diego Zoo Global »» The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens »» Utah’s Hogle Zoo

RADIATED TORTOISE »» Turtle Survival Alliance »» Utah’s Hogle Zoo »» Zoo Knoxville 14

Engaging People in Conservation, While Telling Our Story

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT We are actively implementing public engagement efforts at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to advance the conservation of SAFE species.

AZA has provided materials to AZA members for over a dozen SAFE Focus Days, resulting in thousands of interactions with the public through the media, in-person interactions at AZA member facilities and online social networks. Since January, the #SavingSpecies hashtag has been used over 12,500 times.

Partnering with Animal Planet, we launched a 10-hour Facebook Live marathon, featuring 17

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums showcasing their great animal care and conservation work. 2017 AZA SAFE FOCUS DAYS The event was co-branded with SAFE and reached 6 million people online. March 3 – World Wildlife Day The “Invest in the Nest” Kickstarter campaign was the first successful Kickstarter campaign to April 22 – Earth Day support an endangered species. The campaign involved 91 AZA-accredited facilities, secured 2,207 backers, and raised more than $193,000 in donations. This is incredible to consider, given April 25 – World Penguin Day that less than three percent of all campaigns are successfully funded. The funding raised will May 5 – Cinco de Rhino allow for the first phase of construction and deployment of between 1,500 and 2,000 artificial May 19 – Endangered Species Day nest boxes for wild African penguin colonies in South Africa and Namibia. The campaign May 23 – World Turtle Day was supported by Stonyfield Organics and ALEX AND ANI, bringing both commercial and promotional support to the effort, and garnering international media coverage. May 28 – Whooping Crane Day

More broadly, we have contracted with a national agency to develop an awareness effort June 8 – World Oceans Day targeted at connecting people to the conservation and animal welfare work of AZA members. June 16 – Sea Turtle Day Promoting the projects and progress made through SAFE species efforts will be a central part July 10 – International Save the Vaquita Day of the effort. Our goal is to build awareness of our collective conservation impact, utilizing AZA member zoos and aquariums and partners, empowering us to shift the narrative and tell July 14 – Shark Awareness Day our story more effectively. August 12 – World Elephant Day

September 9 – World Great Apes Day

September 22 – World Rhino Day

October 14 – African Penguin Awareness Day

December 4 – International Cheetah Day 15

FACEBOOK LIVE STONYFIELD

Stonyfield YoKids is available nationwide at all major retailers 6 MILLION (e.g., Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, Safeway, PEOPLE REACHED Albertsons), and is the #1 Kids brand in many cases 1.26 MILLION ~18 MILLION UNITS of YoKids product carrying the SAFE TOTAL VIDEO VIEWS logo were sold between April and mid-November, with another approximately 2 million estimated through the end of 2017 5,000 SHARES

2 NATIONAL FLYERS were distributed for Earth Day and FACILITIES Back to School, with a circulation of 40 MILLION EACH 17 PARTICIPATED IN THE MARATHON OVER 200K PEOPLE visited the microsite LEARN MORE: stonyfield.com/azasafe between April 1 and November 30 www.facebook.com/ facebookmedia/success-stories/ animal-planet

“It isn’t often a ‘cow’ has the opportunity to help save species, but our work with AZA SAFE really allows us to make a difference for animals — which is so important to the Stonyfield mission. We also find it incredibly important that through our sponsorship we not only support the recovery of endangered species, but also inspire others to do the same. We believe the AZA SAFE program has been great from both a mission and brand perspective, and a program that covers both isn’t always easy to find.”

Natalie Levine, Stonyfield Brand Director 16

“INVEST IN THE NEST” SAFE FOCUS DAYS KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN 16 DAYS $193,560 RAISED SAFE Species Days were widely covered in news media around the country. 2,650 NEWS STORIES 2,207 BACKERS mentioned the animal or event on and around the dates. FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Days that got the most coverage included:

1,500+ NESTS BUILT WORLD WILDLIFE DAY (March 3) – 368 STORIES WORLD PENGUIN DAY (April 25) – 460 AZA MEMBERS ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY (May 19) – 424 74 SUPPORTED THE CAMPAIGN SEA TURTLE DAY (June 16) – 200

CREATING JOBS IN SOUTH AFRICA INTERNATIONAL SAVE THE VAQUITA DAY (July 8) – 136 WORLD ELEPHANT DAY (August 12) – 473 17

“The SAFE Founders Circle of donors sent a bold message that AZA members are committed to saving animals from extinction. By raising an incredible $3.1 million in 2016, the Founders Circle provided the foundation we needed for 2017–2019 to build AZA’s signature conservation program. It’s critical we demonstrate how AZA-accredited facilities are saving species, and we communicate to our visitors the important role zoos and aquariums play. SAFE gives us a platform to do exactly that.”

Gregg Hudson, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dallas Zoo Management, Inc.

Thanks to the Generous Support of the SAFE Founders Circle

As of December 1, 2017

Audubon Aquarium of Omaha’s Henry Brevard Zoo Oregon Zoo the Americas Doorly Zoo & Calgary Zoo Aquarium Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Service Systems Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge & Garden Associates Disney’s Animals, Science Museum of Natural History San Francisco Shark Reef at & Environment John Ball Zoo Zoological Society Mandalay Bay Disney Conservation Fund Little Rock Zoo/Arkansas Schultz & Williams Wildlife Conservation Society Detroit Zoological Society Zoological Foundation Smithsonian National Houston Zoo, Inc. Louisville Zoological Garden Zoological Park Indianapolis Zoological Mystic Aquarium Virginia Zoological Park Society, Inc. National Aquarium Woodland Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo North Carolina Aquariums Zoo Boise North Carolina Zoological Park 18

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Akron Zoological Park Naples Zoo Dallas Zoo Aquarium of the Pacific Oakland Zoo Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Blank Park Zoo Ocean Park Corporation Los Angeles Zoo & Cameron Park Zoological Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens & Botanical Society Botanical Garden Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square Pueblo Zoo Minnesota Zoological Garden Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute El Paso Zoo Roosevelt Park Zoo San Antonio Zoo Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Sacramento Zoo Greenville Zoo Seattle Aquarium Friends of the Henry Vilas Zoo & Texas State Aquarium Henry Vilas Zoo Topeka Zoo John G. Shedd Aquarium Tracy Aviary Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Turtle Back Zoo Miles River Direct Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Monterey Bay Aquarium Western North Carolina Nature Center Morey Consulting Wildlife Safari 19

Project Funders

»» AAZK – Akron Chapter »» Dakota Zoo »» Louisville Zoological Garden »» AAZK – Dallas Chapter »» Dallas Zoo »» Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden »» AAZK – Greater Cincinnati Chapter »» Denver Zoo »» Metazoa Brewing Company »» AAZK – Ozarks Chapter »» Dickerson Park Zoo »» Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens »» AAZK – Utah Chapter »» Disney Worldwide Services Inc »» Foundation »» Abilene Zoological Gardens »» El Paso Zoo »» Monterey Bay Aquarium »» Adventure Aquarium »» FlipFlops »» Mystic Aquarium »» African Safari Wildlife Park »» Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo »» Naples Zoo »» Akron Zoological Park »» Fossil Rim Wildlife Center »» Nashville Zoo, Inc. »» Albuquerque Biological Park »» Fresno Chaffee Zoo »» National Aviary »» Aquarium of the Pacific »» Friends of the Alexandria Zoo »» Natural Encounters, Inc. »» Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum »» »» Newport Aquarium »» Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians »» Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of »» North Carolina Aquariums (AZVT) Natural History »» Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo & »» Audubon Nature Institute »» Greensboro Science Center Adventure Park »» Bergen County Zoological Park »» Greenville Zoo »» Northwest Trek Wildlife Park »» BREC’s »» Houston Zoo, Inc. »» Ocean Park Corporation »» Brevard Zoo »» Hutchinson Zoo »» Oklahoma City Zoological Park »» Buffalo Zoo »» Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park »» Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium »» Butterfly Pavilion »» Imagine Exhibitions »» Oregon Zoo »» Buttonwood Park Zoo »» Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. »» »» Cabrillo Marine Aquarium »» Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens »» Peoria Zoo »» Cameron Park Zoo »» Jenkinson’s Aquarium »» PGAV Destinations »» Cape May County Park Zoo »» John Ball Zoo »» Phoenix Zoo »» Capron Park Zoo »» John G. Shedd Aquarium »» Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium »» »» Kansas City Zoo »» Potawatomi Zoo »» Cheyenne Mountain Zoo »» Lee Richardson Zoo »» Pueblo Zoo »» Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo »» Lehigh Valley Zoo »» Racine Zoological Gardens »» Columbus Zoo and Aquarium »» Conservation Foundation »» Red River Zoo »» Como Park Zoo & Conservatory »» Lincoln Park Zoo »» Reid Park Zoo »» Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo »» Little Rock Zoo »» Roger Williams Park Zoo »» Cosley Zoo »» Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens »» Rolling Hills Zoo 20

»» Roosevelt Park Zoo »» Texas State Aquarium »» Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park »» The Auld Dubliner LLC »» Sacramento Zoo »» The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia »» Saint Louis Zoo »» Toledo Zoological Gardens »» Salisbury Zoological Park »» Topeka Zoo »» San Antonio Zoological Society »» Tracy Aviary »» San Diego Zoo Global »» Trevor Zoo »» San Francisco Zoological Gardens »» »» »» Utah’s Hogle Zoo »» Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens »» Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center »» Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo »» Wave Foundation, Inc »» Seattle Aquarium »» Woodland Park Zoo »» Sedgwick County Zoo »» Youth Ocean Advocates »» »» Zoo Knoxville »» ShineMaker Foundation »» Zoo Miami »» Source Evaluation Society »» Zoo New England »» South Carolina Aquarium »» Sunset Zoological Park »» Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo “SAFE can only meet its potential of saving animals from extinction with the leadership, expertise, and engagement of the entire AZA community. The Field Conservation Committee stands ready to assist our AZA colleagues and we hope that all members will help an existing SAFE species program meet its goals, or consider collaborating with other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to champion a new SAFE species program.”

Christina Castellano, PhD, Vice President, Chief Science Officer, Utah’s Hogle Zoo Vice Chair, AZA’s Field Conservation Committee

2017 AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS 2017 AZA SAFE STAFF (JANUARY–SEPTEMBER) »» Bert Castro, President and CEO, Phoenix Zoo, »» Kristin L. Vehrs, Executive Director Chair: Dennis W. Kelly, Director, Smithsonian Arizona Center for Nature Conservation »» Candice Dorsey, PhD, Senior VP, Conservation, National Zoological Park »» Bob Chastain, President and CEO, Cheyenne Management & Welfare Sciences Chair-elect: Jim Breheny, General Director, Zoos Mountain Zoo »» Sandra Elvin, PhD, Director, Conservation and Aquarium, WCS, Jonathan Little Cohen »» Suzanne Gendron, Executive Director of Research and Policy Development Director, Zoological Operations and Education, Ocean »» Shelly Grow, Vice President, Conservation and Vice Chair: Gregg Hudson, Executive Director Park Corporation Science and Chief Executive Officer, Dallas Zoo »» Chris Gentile, Director, Western North Carolina »» Debborah Luke, PhD, Senior Vice President, Management, Inc. Nature Center Conservation and Science Immediate Past Chair: Steve Burns, Director, »» Christopher Kuhar, PhD, Executive Director, »» Joel Merriman, Director, Conservation Zoo Boise Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Planning »» John Lewis, Zoo Director, Los Angeles Zoo »» Jill Nicoll, Chief Operating Officer »» Steve Marshall, Zoo Director, El Paso Zoo »» Jackie Ogden, PhD, SAFE Project Manager »» Adrienne Rowland, Director, Shark Reef »» Jessica Puchala, Director, Digital Marketing Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and Strategy »» Peggy Sloan, Director, North Carolina »» Amy Rutherford, Director, Professional Aquarium at Fort Fisher Development and Education »» Rob Vernon, Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing »» Phil Wagner, Senior Vice President, Finance & CFO AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos have an opportunity to work more effectively together to help slow species extinction and critical loss of biodiversity. With scientific expertise, animal care expertise, access to visitors, and passion for our missions, the AZA community is working together and with conservation partners to take a leadership role in saving animals from extinction.

Learn more at: www.aza.org/safe

Radiated tortoise, Madagascar © Aaron Gekoski White backed vulture, Namibia © Tim Lewthwaite Vaquita rescue project © VaquitaCPR Vaquita and calf © Thomas A. Jefferson/VIVA Vaquita Western pond turtle hatchling © Michael Durham Western pond turtle © Kathleen Street Rothschild giraffe, Kenya © Tim Lewthwaite

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