Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Carnival Cruise Lines Helps Protect Endangered Species With Donation to Association Of Zoos and Aquariums

Half of All Amphibian Species Projected to Go Extinct Without Immediate Action

CONTACT: Steve Feldman, AZA, (301)562-0777, x 252

SILVER SPRING, MD, February 5, 2007 – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced today a $10,000 start-up donation from the Carnival Foundation to its Amphibian Conservation Program. AZA's 214 zoos and aquariums are increasing their efforts to provide a safe haven for amphibians as they face the dire threat of extinction in the wild.

"AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums may be the only hope for survival for many amphibian species," said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. "We are grateful to Carnival for their early support as we step up our efforts to sustain endangered amphibian populations."

"Carnival's commitment to the environment goes beyond the oceans on which our ships sail - it also includes the support of animals and their habitats," said Linda Coll, director of the Carnival Foundation, which coordinates the company's corporate giving efforts. "AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have the experts who know how to care for and breed animals, and we support their efforts to help save these amphibians and other endangered species from extinction."

Amphibians – a class of animals comprised of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians – are in the midst of an extinction crisis. Like all wildlife, amphibians are threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and pollutions. But amphibians have an extra threat. A devastating disease caused by a species of chytrid fungus, which is currently impossible to combat in the wild.

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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