'Standing Tall for Zoos and Aquariums' Award Honors Congressman Bachus
May 11, 2011Silver Spring, Maryland– The
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced the recipient of its
first annual “Standing Tall for Zoos and Aquariums” Award: Congressman Spencer
Bachus (AL-6).
Presented at the Annual Association
of Zoos and Aquariums Congressional Reception on May 11, 2011, this award
commemorates the outstanding work done by Congressman Bachus as a long-standing
Co-Chair of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus. Congressman Bachus
represents the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.
“Congressman Bachus understands the
importance of the economic impact and science education programs of the
Birmingham Zoo,” said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA. “His support of the
Birmingham Zoo and his role as co-founder of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium
Caucus has been invaluable.”
“At zoos
and aquariums, we all learn to appreciate and respect the majesty of wildlife
and nature, but they are more than places to take a family to visit,” said
Congressman Bachus. “They are centers of conservation, sometimes right in
the heart of the city. They conduct education and valuable
research. That is why I have been such a strong supporter of this caucus
and why I have recommended it to my colleagues for many years.”
“Congressman
Bachus is a frequent visitor to the Birmingham Zoo with his family. He
appreciates the value that the zoo provides the children of Birmingham,” said Dr. William Foster,
President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “He did not hesitate to step up and
become a founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus. We are
grateful for his leadership.”
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.
Congressman Spencer Bachus is the representative for the
Sixth District of Alabama. A proponent of conservation research and
education, Congressman Bachus authored the Cahaba River National Wildlife
Refuge to protect Alabama’s
longest free-flowing river. He has been a legislative advocate for
transportation improvements, tornado safety and our nation’s veterans among
many issues. Congressman Bachus is Chairman of the House Financial Services
Committee. He is the author and sponsor of the FACT Act, which
established strong new identity theft protections and entitles consumers to a
free copy of their credit report. Congressman Bachus is a co-founder of
the Zoo and Aquarium Caucus and continues to serve as co-chair. At home,
he has worked to promote awareness and the growth of Birmingham Zoo, one the
most popular attractions in the State of Alabama.
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