March 29, 2024

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Md., introduced the 2023 recipients of its Wildlife Response Fund: Ukrainian Zoo Reduction and the Southern African Basis for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). 

“Zoo team is often concerned in wildlife conservation, and the Reaction Fund is a further instrument in the toolkit,” claimed Maryland Zoo President and Main Govt Officer, Kirby Fowler. 

The Maryland Zoo founded the Wildlife Response Fund in 2018 as aspect of its motivation to saving wildlife and guarding wild areas. The fund empowers the Zoo to supply rapid-performing assist when disasters or emergencies acutely threaten animals and their habitats. 

“Our dwelling is in Maryland, but it’s essential that we can act rapidly and give immediate assistance to conservation businesses on the floor when disaster strikes,” claimed Fowler.

Site visitors may perhaps not realize it but every single time they walk by means of the Zoo’s front gate a portion of their admission money conservation attempts that contain the Wildlife Reaction Fund. The zoo also raises money through grants and donations. 

2022-2023 Recipients

EAZA/Ukrainian Zoo reduction

Zoos in Ukraine have been severely afflicted by the ongoing war in the location. In response to the have to have to maintain animal treatment and help the courageous team performing less than regular threat, the Zoo sent Wildlife Response Funds to the European Affiliation of Zoos and Aquaria to offer reduction to Ukrainian zoos for the next yr in a row.

SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds)

In November of 2022, SANCCOB, a prolonged-time associate of the Maryland Zoo, uncovered by itself in a state of quarantine because of to an Avian Influenza (“bird flu”) outbreak. The quarantine detect was vital to ensure that seabirds contaminated with this virus were being not exposed to birds by now remaining rehabilitated or these launched into wild colonies, endangering extra birds. SANCCOB could not admit or launch African penguins and other seabirds to its Cape Town facility for ten weeks.

In addition to a great deal-essential funding, the Maryland Zoo sent employees to guide SANCCOB functions for two months. The resources helped order avian influenza examination kits vital for lifting quarantine and safely releasing birds back into the wild.

Picture Credit: © Maryland Zoo

Edited by Jessica Sansarran, the communications coordinator at AZA.


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