Association of Zoos and Aquariums

SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO HONORED WITH TOP NATIONAL AWARD

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777, x 252

CHICAGO, IL, September 18, 2005 – The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored Smithsonian's National Zoo with the Edward H. Bean Award for the Golden Orb Spider Long-term Propagation Program. Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 81st Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

For more than 15 years, animal-care staff at the Smithsonian's National Zoo have set the standard for the management and husbandry of the Golden orb spider (Nephila inaurata madagascariensis.)

Their work in developing an effective breeding population has been an excellent success, and has resulted in specimens for 11 institutions in three countries. National Zoo staff has made significant discoveries in husbandry and management of these spiders, including the need for a multigenerational population for successful breeding; large breeding chambers that mimic their natural grouping; and the importance of prey size to their survival.

The success in long-term propagation of Golden orb spiders has introduced millions of visitors to the mystery and beauty of these dynamic creatures.

Each year, AZA presents the Bean Award in recognition of efforts by its member institutions in the long-term captive management and husbandry of various animal species. The Bean Award was established in 1956, honoring Edward H. Bean, the first director of the Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois.

Note: For more information contact Peper Long at 202-633-3082.

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