Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum Receives National Honors For Aldabra Tortoise Breeding Program

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

COLUMBUS, OH 11 September 2003 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma with a Significant Achievement Award for their Aldabra Tortoise Breeding Program. Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 79th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

In April 2003, fifteen rare Aldabra tortoises hatched at the Tulsa Zoo. The Zoo is one of three zoos in the United States to successfully breed this species. Said Linda Putnam, Tulsa Zoo Reptile Curator, “We are proud and excited about our new hatchlings. It is extremely rare for zoos to breed this species of tortoise and we are thrilled to be able to provide a conducive environment that facilitates breeding.”

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.

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.