To mark the 10th anniversary of Endangered Species Day and raise public awareness, the Shedd Aquarium and Lincoln Park and Brookfield zoos have scheduled several events Friday.
The goal is to spotlight some of the endangered species in their care, the threats these species face and conservation research being done on site and in the field.
The day will also feature the unveiling of a new global conservation initiative, which will be announced earlier Friday. It will involve all 229 North American zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Here’s what’s on tap Friday:
*At the Shedd Aquarium: Media and interpretive panels throughout the aquarium and Abbott Oceanarium, where projected light will show slowly “disappearing” species. In addition, conservation interpreters will be on hand within the Wild Reef, Islands and Lakes, Rivers, Great Lakes and Oceans galleries, telling stories of hope through the Shedd’s conservation and research work. Each exhibit will highlight an endangered animal that has been directly impacted by the Shedd’s work to save them from extinction.
*At Brookfield Zoo: Animal care specialists and volunteers from four areas of the zoo that house endangered animals will interact with guests, explaining challenges endangered animals face and what guests can do help protect them. The zoo will also be hosting a Facebook “swag bag” giveaway to patrons who share facts about their knowledge of endangered animals.
*Lincoln Park Zoo: Guests are invited to visit four conservation stations throughout the zoo where educators will share stories of global efforts the zoo is making to save endangered species, ranging from the jungles of Congo to Illinois prairies. A “passport” will be provided and stamps will be given at each station. Guests who get their book stamped at all four earn a free ride on the Endangered Species Carousel.
Learn more at http://www.sheddaquarium.org, http://www.lpzoo.org and http://www.CZS.org.
