Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Receives National Honors For Stingray Breeding Program

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

NEW ORLEANS 22 September 2004 — The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas with a Significant Achievement Award for the Freshwater Stingray Breeding Program. Aquarium officials accepted the award at the AZA's 80th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans has been actively breeding several species of freshwater stingrays, including several that have never been bred in captivity. Audubon Aquarium is the only public aquarium to breed 'black and white” stingrays (Potamotrygon leopoldi) and is one of only two public aquariums to breed the 'jaguar stingray' (Potamotrygon castexi).

With more than a million visitors each year, Audubon Aquarium takes every opportunity to educate people about the freshwater rays and their rainforest environment. By breeding these animals in captivity, the Aquarium has reduced animals taken from the wild, increased freshwater stingrays in public aquariums, thus creating an effective way for the general public to learn about these animals and understand why the rainforests should be protected.

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 212 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.

For more information contact Melissa Lee, APR, Director of Public Relations at (504) 378-2694 or mlee@auduboninstitute.org.