Lincoln Park Zoo Receives AZA Conservation Award

By Sharon Dewar

Chicago, IL - The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that Lincoln Park Zoo jointly with eight other zoological institutions received its 2008 Significant Achievement Award for International Conservation for providing critical support to the Tarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania. The award was presented at the 84th Annual AZA Conference held last week in Milwaukee.

AZA names conservation as its highest priority, and annually recognizes exceptional efforts by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, related or international facilities, and conservation partners toward habitat preservation, species restoration, and support of biodiversity in the wild through its International Conservation Award.

For fifteen years, the Tarangire Elephant Project has been studying and protecting the elephants in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and the surrounding area – as well as other iconic wildlife there including zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. For more than a decade, Lincoln Park Zoo has provided research funding and essential scientific expertise. Lincoln Park Zoo Research Biologist Lisa Faust, Ph.D. works directly with the project’s founders and directors Charles and Lara Foley to analyze data and model the ecosystem. They have several scientific publications in the works.  

Having documented a gradual increase in the target elephant population over the years (linked to a decline in the massive ivory poaching of the 1970s and 1980s), other threats now loom including intense competition and conflict with a burgeoning human population. However, in an exemplary, long-term conservation partnership of zoos, governmental and non-governmental actors, and local communities, the Tarangire Elephant Project uses sound science, heartfelt appreciation of this unique ecosystem, and ongoing capacity-building to lead a model conservation program.

“In addition to their ground-breaking elephant behavioral research, the Foleys have made real contributions to the tough conservation work of assessing and protecting key habitat essential to a healthy Tarangire ecosystem. Their work not only protects the elephants, but the ecological dynamics of Tarangire,” said Faust.

ABOUT LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo, an historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org. 

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 an institution 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. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.