'Standing Tall for Zoos and Aquariums' Award Honors Congressman Lipinski
May 11, 2011Silver Spring, Maryland – Today,
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums presented its first annual “Standing Tall
for Zoos and Aquariums” Award to Representative Daniel Lipinski (IL-3).
Presented at the Annual Association
of Zoos and Aquariums Congressional Reception on May 11, 2011 on Capitol Hill,
the award commemorates the outstanding work done by Congressman Lipinski as a
long-standing Co-Chair of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus.
Congressman Lipinski’s district includes the Chicago Zoological Society’s
Brookfield Zoo in Illinois.
“Congressman Lipinski understands
the importance of the economic impact and science education programs of
Brookfield Zoo,” said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA. “We are grateful for
his support of Brookfield Zoo and accredited zoos and aquariums across the
country.”
“Dan Lipinski has been a tireless
advocate for Brookfield Zoo,” said Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago
Zoological Society, which manages the zoo.
“Dan understands the role that Brookfield Zoo plays in driving the
region’s economy and has worked to grow the zoo’s significant positive economic
impact.”
Congressman
Lipinski joined the Zoos and Aquariums Caucus in 2006 during his first term in
Congress. As Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology
Committee’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, he has closely
monitored the educational programs of zoos and aquariums and hosted hearings
examining the impact these institutions have on their communities.
“I
have witnessed firsthand the tremendous informal education benefits of zoos and
aquariums,” Congressman Lipinski said. “The formative experiences offered to
students at zoos and aquariums have the ability to spur lifelong interest in
the sciences.”
The
Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus advances the conservation science and
education mission of the nation’s 213 accredited zoos and aquariums. The goals of the Caucus are to recognize
the impact of America’s zoos and aquariums as they promote science education,
conservation and family recreation; foster appreciation for the work of zoos
and aquariums as they inspire stewardship, caring and discovery of wildlife and
wild places; and promote zoos and aquariums as centers of excellence in science
education, wildlife conservation, and natural partners with public schools.
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