Zoo and Aquarium Animals Arrive on Capitol Hill

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Cheetah with handler from Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. © 2011 John Harrington

175 million people enjoy the animals at AZA aquariums and zoos every year. We always look forward to bringing that special experience to Capitol Hill

Silver Spring, MD (PRWEB) May 09, 2012

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today hosts its Annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day and Reception. Leaders from the zoo and aquarium profession will educate Members of Congress about the importance of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to their communities.

“AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums support tourism and local businesses,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “In addition to being leaders in conservation and education, zoos and aquariums are an economic engine in the communities they serve.”

AZA accredits 224 zoos and aquariums in the United States and overseas. These institutions collectively generate more than $16 billion in annual economic activity and support more than 142,000 U.S. jobs.

In the last 10 years, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums formally trained more than 400,000 teachers, supporting science curricula with effective teaching materials and hands-on opportunities. 12 million students (pre-K through Grade 12) visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums each year as part of school field trips.

“Zoos and aquariums work closely with Federal, State and local education agencies to provide effective science-based education programs,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy.

Zoo and aquariums professionals will inform legislators about programs at their own institutions and encourage them to act on important issues affecting all AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, including:

•     Support funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services – AZA supports $35 million in FY2013 for the Office of Museum Services, which awards grants to museums including accredited zoos and aquariums.
•     Cosponsor H.R. 3510, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Reauthorization Act – This legislation benefits essential programs for conserving tigers, rhinos, elephants, great apes, and sea turtles.
•     Support H.R. 2547 and S. 1372, the No Child Left Inside Act – This legislation provides incentives for states to create environmental literacy plans from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 which include environmental education standards and teacher training.
•     Support Funding for the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program – AZA supports an appropriation of $3.981 million in FY2013 for this program to rescue stranded marine animals (dolphins, manatees, whales, otters, turtles, seals, walruses, sea lions, porpoises, polar bears, and dugongs).

Following a day of Capitol Hill visits, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will introduce Members of Congress and their staff to special animal ambassadors at the Annual Association of Zoos & Aquariums Reception.

Note to Photo Editors: You DON’T want to miss this!

“175 million people enjoy the animals at AZA aquariums and zoos every year,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “We always look forward to bringing that special experience to Capitol Hill.”

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit 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. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more, visit http://www.aza.org.

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