FacilityBlog from Today's Facility Manager: The First Facility Management Blog

Monday, June 30, 2008

Facilities Housing Pandas In China To Be Rebuilt

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), in cooperation with The Giant Panda Conservation Foundation (GPCF), has joined the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Zhou Wenzhong, in announcing a $165,000 donation to the China Wildlife Conservation Association to support panda conservation in the wake the earthquakes that occurred this past May.

“Accredited zoos are essential to the conservation of the giant panda,” said Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong. “We are grateful for this assistance and for the strong conservation partnership with zoos in the United States.”

The joint fundraising effort of AZA and GPCF will assist reconstruction efforts at panda conservation facilities in Wolong and Chenghdu after the devastating earthquakes in Sichuan Province where they are located. These facilities experienced significant damage and the staff has met with hardship, requiring urgent assistance to support their ability to care for the highly endangered giant panda population.

“I am proud that AZA members rose to the occasion to help our international partners recover,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “We will continue to support China in this important mission.”

AZA-accredited institutions making significant contributions include: Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, San Diego Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta, Memphis Zoo, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, Zoo New England, and Audubon Zoo.

Through research, education, and conservation efforts, AZA-accredited zoos have played a major role in the Giant Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP is a program that develops population management and conservation plans for imperiled species in the care of accredited zoos and aquariums.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Animal Planet Channel Forging Partnership With Zoos And Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Animal Planet channel today kicks off a strategic partnership that will support wildlife conservation and connect Animal Planet viewers to up-close experiences at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

"The connection between Animal Planet and great zoos and aquariums is a natural fit," said Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager, Animal Planet Media. "Both Animal Planet and the members of Association of Zoos and Aquariums are committed to great animal care and to the protection of wildlife."

More than 100 of the top zoos and aquariums across North America are throwing a Party for the Planet™, making it the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America. Festivities will feature environmental education activities, amazing animal encounters, and fantastic family fun.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago which held its "Party" events on April 20 and today, April 22, is also the site of The TFM Show Facility Tour today.

"Party for the Planet Earth Day events spotlight zoos and aquariums as the ideal place to connect with conservation in communities across North America," said AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy. "Animal Planet is a great partner for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums because we share the important mission of connecting people and animals."

The new three-year Proud Partner relationship will feature a number of key elements, including an on-air commitment by Animal Planet to highlight the conservation work of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Zoos and Aquariums will host interactive on-site technology using Animal Planet content to enhance the visitor experience. Animal Planet is the exclusive national media sponsor of Party for the Planet™.

About APM
Animal Planet Media (APM) is a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications. Via multiple platforms, APM offers the Animal Planet television network, available in more than 94 million homes in the US; online assets www.animalplanet.com; the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; PetsIncredible, a major producer and distributor of pet-training videos and includes web service PetVideo.com; and other media platforms including a Video-on-Demand (VOD) service; mobile content; and merchandising extensions.


About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation.

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