Zoo Highlights

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More than 14 animal management directors, curators, nutritionists and veterinarians at the Fort Worth Zoo actively participate in conservation research projects.

• The Fort Worth Zoo has a proven commitment to wildlife conservation in Texas and around the world. The Zoo supports projects in 34 countries and promotes conservation efforts for a variety of species ranging from elephants and rhinos to iguanas and toads. The Zoo has played a key role in implementing successful conservation programs such as the restoration of endangered West Indian rock iguana populations in the Caribbean and the repatriation of bongo to Mount Kenya in Africa.

• The Fort Worth Zoo currently holds 41 Species Survival Program (SSP) species. Zoo staff members serve as Species Coordinators for three of these national conservation programs: Puerto Rican crested toad, bongo and rock iguana. In addition, Zoo staff members serve as nutrition and veterinary advisers to numerous SSPs.

• In 2007, the Fort Worth Zoo was awarded the International Conservation Award by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) for outstanding work with Asian turtle species through our partnership with the Turtle Survival Alliance. The Zoo, along with partner institutions, was also honored with the 2007 AZA North American Conservation Award for participation in the Red Wolf Recovery Program. In 2004, the Zoo received the AZA North American Conservation Award for work with the Puerto Rican crested toad, which highlighted the efforts of several zoos that partnered to reintroduce captive bred toads into their native habitat. In 2000, the Zoo, in cooperation with additional zoos, was awarded the AZA International Conservation Award for outstanding efforts benefiting the highly endangered Jamaican iguana.

• TThe Fort Worth Zoo administers the Arthur A. Seeligson, Jr. Conservation Fund. The Seeligson Conservation Fund (SCF) supports the conservation of native Texas wildlife through grant awards that promote partnerships among scientists, educators, organizations and private landowners committed to conserving the biodiversity of Texas. In 2012, the SCF awarded a grant to an outstanding conservation project that will monitor endangered Houston toad populations and habitat preferences by using trained search dogs to locate toads in their natural habitat. To date, the SCF has awarded more than $61,000 to support wildlife conservation projects in Texas.

• Fort Worth Zoo staff members currently hold more than 30 national leadership positions within the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

• Fort Worth Zoo staff members hold positions of director or board member of six national and international conservation organizations such as the International Bongo Foundation, Turtle Survival Alliance, International Rhino Foundation, International Elephant Foundation and the International Iguana Foundation.

• The Fort Worth Zoo employs two full-time exotic animal nutritionists and maintains a nutrition lab with state of the art equipment to facilitate the only zoo-based multi-mineral, carotenoid and tannin analyses.

Click HERE to learn about opportunities to support the Zoo’s wildlife conservation and animal enrichment programs and make a difference for the environment!