Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium CONSERVATION REPORT

Transcription

1 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium CONSERVATION REPORT

2 Our Commitment to Conservation Conservation is at the core of the work we do at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA). It s a passion that drives us to protect threatened species and their habitats, from the jungles of Borneo to the wetlands of Western Washington. With our help, red wolves once nearly extinct in the wild have begun a gradual return to their native range in the sweltering swamplands of Eastern North Carolina. In Southeast Asia, researchers armed with motionsensing cameras have advanced the study of the endangered clouded leopard and work to spread awareness about these elusive and majestic wild cats. At home, we continue to help bolster populations of the endangered Oregon spotted frog by rearing and releasing the native amphibian into its historic habitat. With generous private support from the Point Defiance Zoo Society, we have made significant contributions to protecting wildlife through a variety of venues, from endangered species breeding programs to public education. Over the past decade, we have provided nearly $700,000 in grants to study and conserve wildlife and wild places, benefitting a diverse range of creatures from frogs and fish to wolves and walruses. Our conservation grants have also advanced the health and management of the Zoo s animals through studies of animal behavior and reproduction. We are pleased to offer this overview of the achievements made possible since the inception of our Conservation Fund. Through the support of Zoo Society members, Zoo guests and other donors, PDZA and our conservation partners continue to protect Earth s biodiversity for future generations.

3 POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM CONSERVATION FIELD PROJECT LOCATIONS WESTERN WASHINGTON AND PUGET SOUND REGION Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Puget Sound Rockfish Surveys Puget Sound Area Biodiversity Surveys 2 NORTH CAROLINA Red Wolf Recovery 3 BOLIVIA Blue-throated Macaw Conservation SOUTHEAST ASIA Asian Elephant Conservation Clouded Leopard Conservation Rare Carnivore Conservation Alliance for Tompotika Conservation 5 SOUTH PACIFIC Marshall Islands Reef Conservation Project Seahorse NORTHWEST ZOO & AQUARIUM ALLIANCE Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a member of the Northwest Zoo & Aquarium Alliance (NZAA), a consortium of seven zoos and aquariums from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, dedicated to conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Alliance members work together to develop initiatives focused on ecosystem conservation, green practices, and citizen involvement.

4 CONSERVING NORTHWEST BIODIVERSITY Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery A Head Start Once found throughout wetlands in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon spotted frog is now one of the most endangered amphibian species in the region. Research points to habitat loss and an increase in predator species as significant contributors to their decline. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium continues to help bolster populations of the endangered Oregon spotted frog by supporting the rearing and release of this native amphibian. Our partners collect fertilized eggs from wetlands in the spring and house them in four off-site rearing facilities where they can be safely tended until release as fat, healthy frogs the following year. Since 2008, nearly 2,500 head-started Oregon spotted frogs have been released in a protected, frog-friendly wetland at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County. Changes in the health or numbers of frogs can be the first sign that a wetland ecosystem is in trouble. Sentinel Species Why does it matter if this rare frog survives? Amphibians are indicators of healthy environments because their absorbent skin makes them highly sensitive to environmental pollution. Changes in the health or numbers of frogs can be the first sign that a wetland ecosystem is in trouble. Restoring frogs and frog habitat is paramount to conserving a host of wetland-dependent Northwest plants and animals. PROTECTING HABITAT AT HOME PDZA has been a strong partner in conserving wildlife and wild places at home in Pierce County. The Zoo has joined with the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance to fund biodiversity planning that identifies restoration and conservation priorities, establishes new wildlife and habitat surveys and monitoring programs, and empowers citizen scientists to collect monitoring data through The NatureMapping Program. The partnership has conducted surveys in the Crescent Valley area of Gig Harbor and then expanded to the Lower White River from Buckley to Sumner. This project has fostered the involvement of neighbors in developing Backyard Wildlife Sanctuaries, influencing the acquisition of biodiverse lands and encouraging zoning changes that reward property owners who practice conservation.

5 Puget Sound Rockfish Surveys Once abundant residents of Puget Sound, rockfish have experienced drastic population declines from overfishing in both Oregon and Washington waters. A new project jointly conducted by PDZA, Seattle Aquarium, Oregon Zoo and Oregon Coast Aquarium aims to conduct long term underwater surveys at multiple locations aimed at documenting rockfish numbers and distribution, including two sites in south Puget Sound. Longterm monitoring may uncover connections between the health of the rockfish populations and conditions in the Sound that will aid in the conservation of our marine ecosystem.

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

7 Red Wolf Back from the Brink For nearly 40 years, PDZA has provided leadership in breeding the red wolf and restoring the species from near extinction. The efforts of PDZA, in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other zoos across the country, have increased red wolf numbers from the last remaining 14 animals to a current total population of approximately 300. The wild red wolf population in the northeastern North Carolina recovery area is estimated between 90 and 110 individuals. In 2010, a federal grant allowed PDZA to relocate its off-site breeding facility to a new, improved location at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park where recovery of this endangered American species will continue into the future. Foster Family One innovative component of wild red wolf management is the movement of young pups born in zoos to wild litters of similar age a practice known as cross-fostering. Wild red wolf mothers accept these additions to their litters, allowing the pups to develop and integrate into the wild population. In fact, several cross-fostered pups have gone on to reproduce in the wild. Red Wolf Zoo Crew PDZA contributes significant staff expertise to red wolf recovery through the Association of Zoos & Aquarium s Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP ). Zoo staff members serve as SSP coordinator, veterinary advisor, reproductive advisor and education advisor all important roles to support zoo-based red wolf management. The Science of Red Wolf Conservation PDZA is a leader in research to advance the health and reproduction of the zoo-based population of endangered red wolves. Zoo scientists have studied how often wolves need to be vaccinated to gain immunity from diseases and are researching the use of reversible contraceptives to better manage breeding. One critically important project is the collection and banking of red wolf sperm. By developing a reservoir of frozen sperm, scientists can enhance reproduction and also safeguard genes from this vulnerable species in the event of disease or natural disaster. A NOVEL APPROACH PDZA educators are currently using the untraditional approach of an illustrated novel to relate the story of the decline and recovery of the red wolf to middle school students in an engaging way. The novel will contain vivid artwork in a comic book format to support school science curriculum and raise awareness of red wolf conservation. Will Waddell RED WOLF SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN COORDINATOR Will has been involved in red wolf conservation for over 20 years. As the Red Wolf SSP coordinator, he works to ensure a diverse and stable red wolf population at 40 cooperating zoos throughout the United States and works with field biologists monitoring the health and expansion of the red wolf population in the wild. Having the Red Wolf Recovery Program receive the Association of Zoos & Aquariums North American Conservation Award in 2007 was a high point in my career Recognition from our peers of the program s accomplishments underscores that our efforts have made a difference.

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

9 Clouded Leopard Chasing a Shadow The clouded leopard s elusive nature and its rarity make it difficult to study this spectacular, wild cat. However, dedicated field researchers are using innovative tools and techniques that are beginning to uncover the mysteries of the behavior of this highly endangered and secretive species. PDZA has funded numerous ground-breaking field research projects in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These studies provide a better understanding of clouded leopard distribution, ecology, and conservation issues and aid the development of strategies to ensure their long-term survival. Building Conservation Connections PDZA s commitment to clouded leopard conservation extends beyond the field and into classrooms and communities in clouded leopard range countries. Zoo educators partner with biologists and local non-profit organizations to develop and deliver educational resources and teacher training. These resources, including a wild cat curriculum guide, bilingual storybook, and carnivore education kits, teach ecosystem and biodiversity concepts, promote conservation, and build local environmental education capacity for students and adults in Thailand and Borneo. Caught on Camera The use of motion-sensing cameras has dramatically changed the way scientists study the clouded leopard s secret world. Before the use of cameras, clouded leopard researchers almost never had the opportunity to glimpse their study subjects. Now images of clouded leopards are commonly obtained. Researchers can compare photos and identify individual clouded leopards from their markings, allowing them to estimate the size of the population in a given area. CLOUDED LEOPARD PROJECT From Thailand to Tacoma PDZA is a member of the international Clouded Leopard Consortium, a partnership of U.S. and Thai zoos to breed and study clouded leopards at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. This highly successful project has resulted in the birth of 57 cubs since During the last few years, pairs of clouded leopards born in Thailand have come to the U.S., providing a much needed infusion of new genetics to bolster the zoo population here. These new pairs are already producing young, including a litter born at PDZA in June A valuable partner in PDZA s clouded leopard conservation efforts is the non-profit Clouded Leopard Project (CLP). Started as a zoo keepers initiative in 2000, the CLP works closely with the Zoo in fundraising, increasing awareness of clouded leopards and their conservation issues, and developing educational materials for use in range countries. The CLP s website, serves as the official website of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan. Andy Goldfarb STAFF BIOLOGIST Andy serves as relief manager of the Clouded Leopard Consortium, spending several months a year with the project. Since 2003 he has made seven trips to Thailand, working at Khao Kheow Zoo for a total of nearly two years and raising 17 cubs. When I first started working in Thailand, I would meet people and they would ask me what I did. I would tell them about the clouded leopards and they would never know what they were. Now people seem to know about clouded leopards, especially kids. That makes me feel that I m making a difference.

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION Southeast Asia Rare Carnivore Conservation Studying Scarce Species Although clouded leopards serve as a flagship conservation species for PDZA, a host of other rare carnivores benefit from the support of field research and environmental education efforts in Southeast Asia. Sharing both habitat and conservation concerns are many at-risk species including the Sumatran tiger, flat-headed cat, marbled cat, Borneo bay cat, civets, and otters. Valuable data gathered through camera trapping studies have shed new light on the distribution and abundance of these little known species. Borneo: Last Stand for Rare Carnivores? Much of the carnivore conservation work supported by PDZA is carried out in the forests of Malaysia and Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Despite extensive logging and conversion of habitat to oil palm plantations, large tracts of primary and secondary forest still remain on the island. Several studies are underway to examine the ability of carnivores to adapt to the changing landscape and determine the best places to focus conservation efforts and resources.

11 Asian Elephant Conservation Response Units Throughout Southeast Asia, elephants face drastic reduction in habitat and are increasingly coming into conflict with humans, resulting in many elephants being killed or displaced. In Sumatra, displaced elephants are often housed at Elephant Conservation Centers where an innovative program initiated by the International Elephant Foundation transforms these problem animals into valuable conservation partners. Conservation Response Units (CRUs) team elephants with experienced handlers, called mahouts, to carry armed rangers into the forest to fight poaching and illegal logging, rescue wild animals, herd wild elephants away from human settlements and fields, and provide community outreach. Through this program, the elephants are perceived as partners instead of burdens and their care and management standards have been raised. The mahouts have gained training in species monitoring, GPS tracking and law enforcement procedures, and have become highly motivated to improve their profession. Advancing Elephant Care PDZA is a contributor to The National Elephant Center, a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to focus on the care and conservation of elephants in North America. The Center, currently in development in Florida, will become the epicenter for breeding and studying elephants and will serve as a centralized training facility for elephant keepers and veterinarians. The Center will also participate in conservation projects in partnership with accredited zoos and elephant conservationists worldwide.

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION Blue-throated Macaw This beautiful bird is one of the world s most endangered parrots, numbering in the low hundreds in the wilds of Bolivia. Since 2004, PDZA has supported the efforts of The World Parrot Trust to study this species and improve nesting success to aid its recovery from the long-term impact of collection for the pet trade. Concerned by this rare bird s plight, the Zoo s Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater presentation team recruited their green-winged macaws to serve as ambassadors to help their wild counterparts. After presentations, macaws Caper and Quito accepted donations a dollar at a time from Zoo guests, with proceeds benefiting macaw recovery and other wildlife conservation projects. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group For many years PDZA has funded the work of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), a global network of conservation professionals dedicated to saving threatened species by increasing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. CBSG is recognized for its use of innovative and collaborative processes that bring together people with diverse perspectives to create positive conservation change. CBSG worked directly with PDZA to facilitate the Clouded Leopard and Small Felid Conservation Summit in Thailand in

13 Tropical Marine Conservation Project Seahorse Among the most popular of the world s sea creatures, seahorses are also some of the least understood and most vulnerable. In 1996, Project Seahorse was established to study seahorses, assess and monitor the seahorse trade, and engage local fisherman in the protection of seahorses and creation of marine reserves. For nearly 10 years, PDZA visitors, charmed by the seahorses in the Zoo s award-winning Once Upon a Tide: A Seahorse Odyssey, have provided donations to support this important work. Marshall Islands Reef Conservation The Republic of the Marshall Islands is home to some of the oldest and most biologically diverse coral reefs in Polynesia. Up to now these reefs have been only minimally impacted by human activities, but increasing development and uncontrolled fishing are considered serious threats. Community-based actions supported by PDZA have helped established marine sanctuaries, provided conservation training for local people and implemented education initiatives to preserve this fragile environment. Protecting Sulawesi s Shores The lands and waters surrounding Mt. Tompotika, Sulawesi, Indonesia are critical centers for biodiversity and home to many species found nowhere else in the world. A grassroots organization called The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo), works in close partnership with local communities to conserve the region s endangered species and habitats and to promote sustainable living practices. AlTo s projects engage local residents through community awareness campaigns, including the use of school curriculum on tropical forests written by a PDZA staff educator. Campaigns feature the preservation of remaining primary forests, protection of the endangered maleo bird, sea turtle nest protection, and beach clean-ups. Among the most popular of the world s sea creatures, seahorses are also some of the least understood and most vulnerable.

14 CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVES

15 Polar Bear Ambassadors for the Arctic As oceans warm and Arctic ice packs shrink, concerns mount for the future of the polar bear. Since 2008, PDZA has partnered with Polar Bears International (PBI) to highlight the impacts of climate change on this charismatic species by serving as an official Arctic Ambassador Center. Through exhibits and activities, the Zoo engages the community on safeguarding the well-being of polar bears and their Arctic habitat. PDZA has supported the attendance of staff members and a local high school student at PBI Leadership Camp in Manitoba. Here, they learn about polar bears firsthand from experts on the Canadian tundra and return educated and empowered to become advocates for this imperiled species. Combating Climate Change PDZA is leading a local call to action on combating climate change through several important initiatives. The Zoo s No Idling campaign uses front gate banners, brochures, and window decals to urge guests to become Polar Bear Pals and reduce their carbon footprints. The Acres for the Atmosphere project replaced a grass hillside in Point Defiance Park with 850 native plants that will more effectively capture carbon from the atmosphere. Ongoing climate change workshops provide 5th 12th grade teachers with the knowledge and hands-on activities to help students better understand and relate to global sustainability issues. Engaging Citizen Scientists Cathleen McConnell ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR Cathleen has been educating the public about wildlife and conservation for 17 years. One of her primary areas of focus is guiding audiences to reduce their carbon footprints to lessen the impact of global climate change. She recently visited Churchill, Manitoba with Polar Bears International to witness the western Hudson Bay population of polar bears as they waited on shore for sea ice to form. In an effort to inspire community members to become active stewards of the environment, the Zoo offers an increasing range of opportunities for participation in local conservation projects and scientific research. During the spring 2011 BioBlitz, 146 volunteer animal experts and eager citizens scoured Point Defiance Park in a first-ever inventory of living things, braving the cold and rain to catalog fauna, flora, and fungi. During Explore the Shore events, education staff members lead low tide beach walks, identifying tide pool animals for the Washington NatureMapping for Beaches program. Summer camps and other PDZA programs give students hands-on practice in the techniques and high-tech tools used by wildlife biologists. Information gathered by these citizen scientists is added to the public NatureMapping database, the most current census of biodiversity in the United States. The impacts of climate change will become more severe if we don t change behaviors that are contributing to this problem. Taking action can t wait. The Churchill population of polar bears will almost certainly disappear under current conditions. Simple steps we can all take include using less energy, buying food and other products locally when possible (so that less fuel is burned during transport), driving less and supporting green energy initiatives.

16 PDZA RESEARCH

17 Walrus Reproduction PDZA scientists hope to identify factors contributing to the low reproductive success in zoo animals. Enhancing Zoo-based Breeding Currently, walrus reproduction is poorly understood and successful breeding is rare. In a collaborative project with other accredited zoos in the United States, PDZA is investigating the reproductive biology of the Pacific walrus to enhance the breeding success of walruses living in zoos. Through evaluation of walrus hormones, patterns of estrus, testicular size, and reproductive behaviors, PDZA scientists hope to identify factors contributing to the low reproductive success in zoo animals and develop action plans aimed at improving reproductive management of walruses through natural or assisted breeding. Say Ahhhh! Every morning, before their first bite of breakfast, walruses Joan, Basilla, and ET open wide for keepers to swab their mouths for saliva samples. These samples contain trace hormones that are extracted and analyzed in the lab to provide vital information on the walruses reproductive cycles. Through these studies, researchers learned that ET s breeding cycle was out of sync with that of the females. Efforts are now underway to alter the timing of his rut to coincide with the females cycles. Hormone Monitoring for Enhancing Breeding Success Over the last eight years, laboratory analysis of animal hormones has greatly enhanced reproductive management for several of the Zoo s rare species. These hormones, naturally excreted through feces, provide information on an individual s reproductive status. Most recently, this technique has been used to: Confirm pregnancy in our clouded leopard Evaluate onset of estrus and confirm ovulation and pregnancy in our female Sumatran tiger Determine timing of ovulation and predict due dates in our Asian small clawed otters Evaluate reproductive cycles and diagnose pregnancy in our anoa, a small species of wild cattle. Lisa Triggs SENIOR STAFF BIOLOGIST Lisa has worked with walruses for the past 20 years. She is currently the primary investigator of a collaborative project titled Establishing Endocrine and Behavioral Parameters of Reproduction in Captive Pacific Walrus. This project has been ongoing since 2006 and involves thousands of hormone laden saliva samples, which she is analyzing for her master s degree. This research is crucial to the future of walruses in zoos and aquariums. If we aren t able to improve their breeding success, they may become lost as ambassadors of their kind.

18 GETTING GREENER: PDZA SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES PDZA is a community leader in analyzing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing resource consumption and waste, and serving as a role model for sustainable living and business practices. Shrinking our Carbon Footprint Since 2003, PDZA has taken significant steps to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. These steps include buying two hybrid vehicles, converting to energy-efficient compact fluorescent and LED lighting zoo-wide, converting the North Pacific Aquarium boiler to biodiesel, and implementing an alternative commute incentive program for staff members. Take Time to Take Action We hope you ll join us in taking action to conserve wildlife and wild places at home and around the world. Visit our conservation page at to learn how you can make a difference. Here are some easy ways you can get started: Learn more and spread the word. Encourage others to adopt practices that reduce consumption and waste, conserve energy, and limit your carbon footprint. Buy sustainable, earth-friendly products. Our choices have a big impact. Try to purchase forest-friendly products such as certified sustainable wood and foods made with sustainable palm oil. Buy local and organic products to limit your impact on the environment. Support conservation organizations through donations or volunteering. Whether it s a lemur or lemon shark, a tiger or turtle, there is a wildlife species that could use some help. Consider a donation on behalf of your favorite animal. PDZA CARBON EMISSIONS CONTINUE TO DECLINE Become a Zoo member. Membership provides you with great value and benefits, and a percentage of each membership supports the PDZA Conservation Fund. Reducing Consumption and Wiping Out Waste Other PDZA green initiatives target resource conservation and environmental stewardship by increasing recycling and composting, reducing water use and paper, and using environmentallyfriendly cleaning products zoo-wide and corn-based utensils in the cafe. METRIC TONS CO 2 -e Energy Transportation YEAR

19 Thank You To Our Donors CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FUNDED BY PDZA FUNDING SOURCES FOR PDZA CONSERVATION PROGRAMS $369,872 Saving Endangered Species $139,762 Improving Breeding Success through Science $113,155 Conserving NW Biodiversity $61,241 Combatting Climate Change 75% The Zoo Society s contribution from memberships and donations 8% Clouded Leopard Project 2% American Association of Zoo Keepers 5% On Site Donations 10% Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Guest Donations During the past decade, PDZA has distributed nearly $700,000 in grants for wildlife conservation, endangered species breeding and reproduction and public education. Zoo members and donors provide the private funds that support conservation projects at home and abroad. Photographers: Seth Bynum, John Froschauer, Karen Povey, Steve Milpacher, Kerinci Seblat National Park, Andrew Hearn, Joanna Ross, NOAA Printed in March 2012

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