Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Program Receives International Conservation Award

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777 x252

ST. LOUIS, MO 9 September 2001 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today awarded the International Conservation Award for the "BIOANDINA: Conserving High Andes Habitat in Venezuela" program to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Zoo officials accepted the award at AZA's 77th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

The Andean region of South America is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse and unique areas of the world. The high Andean paramo, a little-known and delicate ecosystem with a high number of endemic species, is at risk due to increased human activity. In 1988, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) joined efforts with the Venezuelan National Park System and a Venezuelan conservation organization called BIOANDINA. A program was created to raise public awareness by utilizing the reintroduction of the endangered Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) back into Venezuela. The condor would serve as a symbol for Andean habitat conservation in western Venezuela.

The root of the program was to instill a concern for conservation through public awareness campaigns and cooperative projects with the Venezuelan National Park Service and the local zoological park. CMZ has committed to five years of full funding of BIOANDINA, and also provides technical support and development of staff expertise. BIOANDINA is involved in numerous cooperative projects with national and international conservation organizations, Venezuelan governmental organizations and private entities in Venezuela. BIOANDINA has become an internationally well-respected conservation organization and important source of information about condors and Andean habitat conservation. BIOANDINA's conservation message has reached tens of thousands of Venezuelans over the past three years. Through continued financial support, CMZ assists BIOANDINA in the goal of raising public awareness, monitoring released birds and educating people of the need to conserve Andean ecosystems.

The International Conservation Award is presented each year by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for recognition of outstanding dedication to international conservation issues and development of natural resources.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and currently represents 201 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.

Note: For more information contact Sue Allen at 216/635-3338.

[return to 2001 Honors and Award winners]