National Aquarium in Baltimore named a Coastal America Ecosystem Learning Center
The National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB) is the first organization in the Mid-Atlantic region to be designated as a Coastal America Ecosystem Learning Center. In this capacity, the NAIB will provide the area with technical expertise, new equipment to study and monitor the area's marine ecology, as well as relevant educational exhibits and programs. Coastal America, established in 1992, is a partnership among federal, state and local governments and private alliances dedicated to addressing coastal ecology problems. The official designation was made jointly by Robert Perciasepe, Chairman of the Coastal America, Terry Garcia, Acting Assistant Administrator for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, and David Pittinger, Executive Director of NAIB, in a ceremony held on 24 September 1997. Among the many guests in attendance at this landmark ceremony were U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke.
"Tigers in Crisis" exhibit unveiled
A traveling exhibit titled "Tigers in Crisis" has been developed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) with a grant from the Save the Tiger Fund, an international, multi-faceted program established by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Exxon Corporation. The exhibit was developed to educate the public about tigers, the problems they face, and the efforts of AZA-accredited zoos and other conservation organizations are making to prevent their extinction. The exhibit was formally unveiled on 12 September at the Albuquerque Biological Park and will be traveling to various AZA-member institutions over the next three years.
The traveling exhibit consists of five kiosks highlighted with dramatic life-size tiger cut-outs. Magnificent photography and hands-on interactive elements engage visitors with the story of this majestic species that is rapidly disappearing from our world. Each kiosk in the exhibit tells a different chapter in the story of tigers, with the objective of educating visitors and encouraging them to act on that knowledge, and make a commitment to help these incredible creatures.
Disney artwork celebrates the AZA Conservation Endowment Fund and formation of the AZA North America Fauna Interest Group
In celebration of AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF) and the formation of the AZA's North America Fauna Interest Group , the Walt Disney World Co. has commissioned artwork featuring endangered animals from North America. The design, created by Larry Moore, is third of five in a series entitled Walt Disney World Salutes the Conservation Endowment Fund. Commemorative T-shirts featuring the artwork have also been generously given by the Walt Disney World Co. along with the Walt Disney Company's annual gift to the CEF to support conservation action. The all cotton T-shirts are gifts to individuals contributing $10 to the AZA CEF. One hundred percent of all contributions goes to support valuable conservation. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the CEF, send your check or money order, made payable to AZA/CEF and indicate preferred size (M-XXL), to Ms. Colleen Kelly, AZA, 7970-D Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. For further information on the North American Fauna Interest Group, please contact Ed Diebold, Co-chair, Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 1060, Riverbanks, SC 29202-1060 (e-mail: ediebold@riverbanks.org).
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