On behalf of zoos and aquariums worldwide, I take strong exception to the comments directed against these institutions by Sean R. Whyte in his Feb. 1 letter to the Tribune.
Mr. Whyte states that no ”international non-profit conservation/
environmen tal organization” will have anything to do with what he calls the zoo and aquarium ”industry.” I would like to point out that zoos and aquariums themselves comprise a very large and extremely effective contingent of ”non-profit conservation/environmental organizations.”
While it is true that a few extremist groups such as Mr. Whyte`s Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society are anti-zoo and -aquarium, many other more responsible organizations understand the scientific and educational value and contributions of zoological parks and aquariums. Among these are World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN).
The World Wildlife Fund and the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) have joined in a nationwide environmental education initiative called ”Windows on the Wild.” This program, funded by a $2.5 million grant from Eastman Kodak and developed in consultation with leading zoo, aquarium and museum educators, will teach young people how their lives are directly connected to all other animals and plants.
According to WWF President Kathryn Fuller, the ”Windows” program flows from the concept that experiences at zoos and aquariums are perfect opportunities for expanding on the natural awe and wonder of life.
In cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, the American Association of Zookeepers and AAZPA developed the Ecosystem Survival Plan and through its
”Adopt An Acre” program are purchasing threatened rain forest habitat in Costa Rica and Belize.
AAZPA and its constituent institutions are active members of and participants in IUCN, especially through its Species Survival Commission Captive Breeding Specialist Group. The policy statement of IUCN acknowledges that habitat protection alone is not sufficient to maintain biotic diversity, and encourages establishment of self-sustaining captive populations, which will be needed to avoid the loss of many species.
It further states that most species breed in captivity and that viable populations can be maintained over the long term. It also recognizes the wealth of experience available in these institutions, including husbandry, veterinary medicine, reproductive biology, behavior and genetics.
There are many other examples of cooperative programs between zoos and aquariums and other conservation/environmental groups, but these few should be sufficient to give the lie to Mr. Whyte`s irresponsible statement.
