Association of Zoos and Aquariums

SANTA BARBARA ZOO HONORED WITH TOP NATIONAL AWARD

CONTACT: Kris Vehrs, AZA 301-562-0777 x 229

TAMPA, FL September 29, 2006 Today the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) honored the Santa Barbara Zoo with a Significant Achievement for the Edward H. Bean Award for their breeding program for the giant anteater. Zoo officials accepted the award in front of thousands of their professional colleagues at the AZA's 82nd Annual Conference, meeting here this week. AZA honored the zoo with this award in honor of their contributions to help achieve AZA’s vision of building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement.

The giant anteater has had the most significant breeding history of any mammal in the 42 years of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s history. Under the zoo’s care, 11 giant anteaters have been successfully born at the institution, which appears to be the greatest number in North America. Also, Santa Barbara Zoo was among the first to successfully hand-rear a giant anteater. In addition, the zoo contributes to the scientific community’s knowledge about this species by sharing its findings on the animals’ husbandry and management. The zoo’s management program will help ensure the propagation of the giant anteater in the future.

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

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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