Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden Receives National Honors For Leaf-Cutting Ant Program

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

COLUMBUS, OH 11 September 2003 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio, with a Significant Achievement Award for the Long-term Propagation and Captive Management of the Leaf-cutting Ant. Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 79th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden was the first AZA-accredited institution to publicly display leaf-cutting ants, Atta species, and the first to develop an effective long-term captive management program for Atta cephalotes. They have also broadly shared successful husbandry technique and provided young starter colonies for many AZA and related institutions. These efforts have contributed greatly to this insect's ever-growing importance and popularity as a live public-educational exhibit animal.

Leaf-cutting ants are biologically fascinating, ecologically important, effective educational tools, manageable in captivity and growing in popularity as public display animals. There is no doubt that Atta cephalotes and related species will continue to increase in importance within the AZA and similar organizations. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to have played a dominant role creating, promoting and supporting this arena of professional growth.

Each year, AZA presents Significant Achievement Award in the Bean Award Category 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 Chad Yelton at 513/559-7744.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and currently represents 213 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.