Contact: Jane Ballentine (AZA)
(301) 562-0777x 252
Kelly McGrath
(Lincoln Park Zoo)
(312) 742-2246

SILVER SPRING, MD - Thanks to the generosity of both the zoo and aquarium-going public, and accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) has wired the remainder of the $900,000 donated to Audubon Nature Institute to aid staff during recovery, post-Hurricane Katrina. This successful campaign began shortly after Hurricane Katrina, and ended on 31 October 2005. “We are very proud of the members of the zoo and aquarium community for their support of their colleagues,” stated Kristin L. Vehrs, interim executive director of the AZA. “It is particularly heartwarming to know that so many zoo and aquarium visitors also joined in to help support Katrina victims in New Orleans.”

The final installment of the funds, $200,000, will be used for animal supplies and food, as well as to pay keeper salaries. Funds totaling $500,000 were applied to severance pay for staff who were laid off in September; $200,000 was then used to cover salaries.

In addition to raising funds, AZA compiled the many job and housing offers from member zoos and aquariums, which made job opportunities available to Audubon staff. Over 55 accredited zoos and aquariums reached out to colleagues who were laid-off from Audubon. ANI has posted that list of jobs on their Intranet site for employees to review and hopefully find employment in the zoo and aquarium community.

Kevin Bell, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, who spearheaded the AZA member fund-drive, reiterated that the response from zoo and aquarium colleagues, as well as the public, has been gratifying. “I knew we were all a part of a very active, very caring community, but I am still amazed by the depth of generosity afforded those who were so hard-hit by Katrina,” Bell said. “The overwhelming response is yet another example of the public’s commitment to wildlife. AZA institutions are proud to further this concern for, and understanding of, wildlife by bringing people and animals together, teaching visitors about wildlife and conducting conservation efforts around the globe.”

“ There were also tremendous efforts made by BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, Houston Zoo, Alexandria Zoo, the Dallas World Aquarium, the Aquarium at Moody Gardens and the Monterey Bay Aquarium as they sent in supplies or placed ‘at risk’ animals in their facilities. They really stepped up to the challenge,” commented Vehrs. “We wish Audubon continued success as their fund-raising efforts go nationwide and we know they will rise up from this natural disaster, along with the rest of New Orleans.”

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. AZA currently has 210 accredited members in the U.S. and Canada, Bermuda and Hong Kong.

About Lincoln Park Zoo
The oldest zoo in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo began in 1868 with the gift of a pair of swans. Today, 3 million visitors each year come to the zoo to watch, listen to, delight in and learn from more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds. Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to wildlife preservation, education and community service.

About Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute has a total economic impact of $330 million, and operates nine parks and museums in New Orleans dedicated to Celebrating the Wonders of Nature, three of which are accredited or certified by AZA -- the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.