Conservation Messaging and Videos
Conservation-related messages and videos, developed by the AZA Conservation Education Committee and Conservation Partners, are provided below and may be incorporated into exhibitry, messaging, signage, and educational materials to raise awareness about the topics.
Climate Disruption and Polar Bears
Polar Bears International (PBI), an AZA Conservation Partner, is happy to share a plethora of resources on a range of topics that support national literacy standards and learning outcomes for specific school districts.
Apple Learning Interchange programs, which include educator created lessons and activities rich with movies, images, webcast archives, expert videos, and challenge-based and inter-disciplinary lessons, include:
Professional polar bear and AZA scientist interview videos, which address a range of topics about polar bears, sea ice, and climate change are available for download by contacting PBI. These include:
- "A Reason for Hope" by Dr. Ronald S. Swaisgood, Director of Animal Ecology, San Diego Zoo
- "Polar Bear Maternity Dens" by Dr. Tom Smith, Polar Bear Biologist, Brigham Young University
- "Polar Bears and Climate Change" by Dr. Andy Derocher, Professor of Biological Sciences at University of Alberta, Past Chair IUCN of Polar Bear Specialist Group
- "Up Close with Polar Bears" by Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, Polar Bear Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey.
Additional polar bear and arctic habitat educational materials, created by teachers and zoo educators, include:
General Conservation Messages
The AZA Conservation Education Committee created these messages, which were approved by the AZA Board of Directors in March, 2000. Download the General Conservation Messages (pdf).
Wild Animals Do Not Make Good Pets
AZA's Animal Welfare Committee created a brochure explaining the health risks and environmental consequences of keeping wild animals as pets. Download the Wild Animals Do Not Make Good Pets Brochure (in PDF).
Elephant Messages
The AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory Group and Species Survival Plan® Program identified several topics about elephant ecology, behavior, and the ways in which AZA-accredited zoos care for them are raised. Several supporting statements are provided for each topic to promote consistent messaging. Download the Elephant Messages (pdf).