Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Toledo Zoo Honored with North American Conservation Award

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

COLUMBUS, OH 11 September 2003 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored The Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio, with the North American Conservation Award for the “Oak Savanna Butterfly Conservation Program.” Zoo officials accepted the award at AZA's 79th Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

The Toledo Zoo's Oak Savanna Butterfly Program is a comprehensive effort to assist the recovery of three species of endangered oak savanna butterflies in Northwest Ohio: the Karner blue butterfly, the frosted elfin, and the Edward's hairstreak.

The program emphasizes conservation rearing and breeding as a tool to reintroduce the federally listed endangered Karner blue to the Oak Openings of Lucas County, Ohio. More that 1,300 Karner blues have been released since 1998. The Zoo has carried out surveys and done long-term (10-year) monitoring of the frosted elfin and the Edward's hairstreak in the Oak Openings at several sites, and they were the first zoo facility to breed, and subsequently release, the elfin. In addition, they have carried out long-term assessment and restoration of butterfly habitats, including controlled burning, propagation and planting of lupine and nectar plants, and removal of invasive and exotics plants which are detrimental to the butterfly habitat.

The North American Conservation Award is presented each year by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association to recognize outstanding dedication to conservation issues and development of natural resources.

Note: For more information contact Andi Norman at 419/385-5721 x2098.

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.