Association of Zoos and Aquariums

JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM 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 John G. Shedd Aquarium (Chicago) with a Significant Achievement for the Edward H. Bean Award for their breeding program for the caiman lizard. Aquarium 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 aquarium with this award in honor of their contributions to help achieve AZA’s vision of building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement.

Over the last six years, Shedd aquarists have been contributing to the scientific body of knowledge of the caiman lizard through data gathering, research and conservation. In 2004, this program was expanded to include a breeding program, and in 2005, Shedd announced the birth of 13 caiman lizard hatchlings—the first successful hatching of caiman lizards in a North American zoo or aquarium.

The aquarists attribute this remarkable success to several factors, including habitat design, diet, and the use of targeting and designated feed stations, as well as a habitat maintained at a temperature and humidity to mimic conditions in the wild.

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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