PARIS
PARIS, the Program Animal Rating and Information System, is a tool provided by the Philadelphia Zoo and AZA to share information about species used as program animals. There are two parts - a rating system that ranks species on their suitability for use in educational programs,and a wiki that collects and stores information about program animal species. The rating system will help you to more efficiently decide which new species you want to add to your collection, and the wiki will give you the information you need to house, handle, and present those species effectively.
You can download the rating sheet at www.zooparis.wikispaces.com. While you are at that site, you can explore the wiki part of PARIS. If you have information to contribute to the wiki, please email Stephanie Eller to be added as an editor.
Educator Resources
Studies have shown that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums enhance the public’s understanding of wildlife and the need to conserve the places animals live. Visitors believe zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and that that they experience a stronger connection to nature, are prompted to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and see themselves as part of the solution as a result of their visit.
AZA and its Conservation Education Committee provides information, protocols, and tools to help educators manage program animal presentations, deliver consistent conservation messages, and provide thematic educational activities as a means to enhance their education program planning and raise public awareness about, and actions towards, conservation concerns.
Conservation Education Standards and Policies
Several Accreditation Standards and Board-Approved Policies have been established to ensure AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums include conservation education as a central tenet in their mission, maintain an education plan that matches current industry standards, and regularly evaluates their education programs. Read more about Conservation Education Standards and Policies.
Program Animal Presentations
AZA recognizes many benefits for public education and, ultimately, for conservation that program animal presentations provide. With these benefits, program animal presentations require a host of responsibilities, that are needed to ensure the welfare, health and safety of the animal, handlers, and public, and stress the importance of ensuring conservation take-home messages are received by the audience. Read more about Program Animal Presentations.
Children in Nature
AZA recognizes the role that zoos and aquariums can play in the Children in Nature Movement. The Conservation Education Committee's "Experiencing Nature" initiative hopes to increase recognition by visitors that our institutions provide programs and experiences that connect children to nature. Link to the Children and Nature Network to explore ways your zoo or aquarium can help support this effort.
Conservation Messages and Videos
A variety of conservation-related messages and videos are provided for your usage. Content about climate disruption, general environmental topics, polar bears, and elephants can be incorporated into exhibitry, messaging, signage, and educational materials and are designed to provide a consistent voice between AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in their efforts to raise awareness about the topics. Read more about Conservation Messages and Videos.
Thematic Education Activities
Thematic educational activities have been developed that focus on topics of conservation concern. These resources provide ideas and inspiration for educators to incorporate into their education programs, summer camps, or specialized annual conservation initiatives, raise awareness of conservation issues and engage the public in conservation efforts. Read more about Thematic Education Activities.