Press Releases

Press Release For Immediate Release June 27, 2007

For More Information: Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums Bill Peters National Director (613) 327-9402 bpeters@museums.ca Toronto Zoo Cynthia Shipley Manager, Marketing (416) 392-5938 cshipley@torontozoo.ca

OTTAWA-Canadians will have an opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation and what they can do to support species survival during National Conservation Week July 1-7 at Canada's 24 accredited zoos and aquariums including the Toronto Zoo.

"Our ability to ensure the long-term survival of all animals is a crucial issue for humanity" said Rob Purdy, President of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) in announcing National Conservation Week. "As we become an increasingly urbanized society, zoos and aquariums are irreplaceable links to the realities of the natural world, its habitat and wildlife populations. I urge all Canadians to visit their accredited zoo or aquarium the first week of July and hear from the experts what is being done to preserve wildlife and how they can help".

To help introduce the concept of wildlife conservation to a younger audience, ZooKidz.ca has been launched. The site offers children and young families a fun and educational online environment featuring animal information gathered from CAZA's accredited zoos and aquariums, as well as several animal-related games and activities that entertain and educate. In addition, Zookidz.ca offers visitors a national contest for a chance to win one of two family trips to the CAZA facility of their choice, anywhere in Canada. Information about the contest can be found at www.zookidz.ca.

Situated within the beautiful Rouge Valley, the Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo known for its interactive education and conservation activities. As a unique wildlife experience, the zoo inspires people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world. The zoo offers over 5,000 animals and incredible exhibits, including the award winning 12 hectares (30 acre) "African Savanna," and the "Gorilla Rainforest", the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America!

New this year is "Dinosaurs Alive!" the largest display of animated, life-size dinosaurs in the world appearing at the Toronto Zoo until October 8th. Information on the National Conservation Week can be found throughout the zoo at the interactive touch tables and stations throughout the zoo.

CAZA member institutions nurture, protect and care for more than 100,000 animals representing over 2000 species. Often these animals are the last representatives of endangered species that survive because of zoo and aquarium captive animal management programs.

CAZA members participate in close to 800 ex-situ programs and are directly involved in 20 field projects, most linked directly to reintroduction programs. CAZA's Canadian Collection Plan is a series of long-term breeding and conservation projects that provide insurance policies against extinction for key Canadian endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot, the Burrowing Owl, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Wolverine, the Black-Footed Ferret and others.

CAZA has renewed its overall efforts in this vital field by developing a long-term strategy aimed at increasing its contribution. The strategy "Conservation and Science - Building for the Future" sets goals in conservation of biodiversity, resource conservation, science and research, and partnerships.

CAZA is a national, non profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement and improvement of education, conservation and science. Its 24 members across the country are Canada's leading zoos and aquariums, all of which subscribe to CAZA standards that ensure the best of care for their animals, support ongoing work in research, conservation and education and provide first class facilities for both staff and visitors. More information about CAZA, its members and their activities can be found at www.caza.ca