Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Chicago Zoological Society Receives Highest Education Award

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

COLUMBUS, OH 11 September 2003 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Chicago Zoological Society with the Association's top Education Award for the “To Save a Species: Managing a Captive Population” program. Zoo officials accepted the award at a special presentation during AZA's 79th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

“To Save a Species: Managing a Captive Population” is one of a suite of technology-based programs developed to give school populations at many levels a chance to experience the challenge of being a zoo biologist. The program includes a curriculum accompanied by simulation and modeling software, a teacher-training module and a “train the trainer” module. Although designed originally to work with data sets from the captive Humboldt penguin population, aquarium and zoo educators can modify the software to accept data sets from other species. Teachers and educators are using the program across the country. Preliminary evaluations of the program reveals students make significant knowledge gains after using the program. In addition, they are able to transfer skills learned through the program to other topics.

Each year, AZA recognizes achievement in the area of education by offering competition among its Institution, Related Organization and Society members. Judging is conducted by a panel of individuals selected by the Conservation Education Committee.

Note: For more information contact Sondra Katzen, 708/485-0263, x 351.

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.