Zoo Support for Elephant Conservation Hits Record Levels

The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced their support for 15 new elephant conservation projects for 2008, marking a record level of support.

Silver Spring, Maryland (PRWEB) January 8, 2008 -- The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced their support for 15 new elephant conservation projects for 2008, marking a record level of support.

“Elephants all over the world need our help,” said IEF President Michael Fouraker. “The grants made today by the International Elephant Foundation support critical elephant conservation programs.”

“Conservation projects supported by accredited zoos are essential to the survival of elephants,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “AZA-accredited zoos support a thriving elephant population. These elephants inspire conservation action and play an essential role in the survival of the species.”

IEF is a non-profit organization that supports and operates elephant conservation and education programs both in managed facilities and in the wild, with emphasis on management, protection and scientific research. IEF receives the majority of its funding from members of the AZA.

“Without the support of AZA-accredited zoos and their elephant programs, we would not be able to generate a record $1.5 million for elephant conservation,” Fouraker added.

For 2008, IEF will support the following elephant conservation projects:

HABITAT PROTECTION – read more here (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/PR_2008IEF/)

Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy: Community Conservation of Elephants in Northern Kenya

Prey Proseth Elephant Conservation Community, Cambodia

ANTI-POACHING – read more here (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/PR_2008IEF/)

Enforcement of Poaching Control and Bush Meat Trade In and Around WAZA National Park, Cameroon

Lake George Marine Ranger Station: the Waterways Project, Uganda

REDUCTION OF HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT – read more here (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/PR_2008IEF/)

Movement, Population Distribution and Social Dynamics of African Elephants in Kunene and Omusati Region of Namibia

Support for the core activities of Save The Elephants

Mahouts and Their Elephants Working as Conservation Response Units in Sumatra

Saving Elephants By Helping People, Sri Lanka

Building Capacities for Mitigating HEC in Buxa-Jaldapara Landscape, Northern West Bengal, India

ECOTOURISM/ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – read more here (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/PR_2008IEF/)

Children and Elephants of Boromo Region, Burkina Faso

Direct Action Education: Cambodian Wild Elephant Conservation Materials, Cambodia

Support for GAJAH the publication of the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG)

VETERINARY MEDICINE – read more here (http://www.aza.org/Newsroom/PR_2008IEF/)

Lao Elephant Care and Management Program, Laos

Ultrasonographic and Endocrinological Characterization of Luteogenesis in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Asian Elephants

Study to reduce elephant deaths caused by Endotheliotropic Elephant Herpes Virus (EEHV)

As a non-profit organization dedicated to elephant conservation, IEF solicits donations to fund worthy conservation and research projects worldwide. To learn more about IEF or to contribute to elephant conservation efforts, visit IEF’s website at www.elephantconservation.org. With minimal administrative costs, IEF is able to dedicate more than 90 percent of its budget directly toward elephant conservation programs worldwide.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more, please visit www.aza.org/elephantconservation.

CONTACT:

Debbie Olson, IEF, (817) 237-9034

Steve Feldman, AZA, (301) 562.0777 x252

Jackie Marks, AZA, (301) 562.0777 x236

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