Zoos and Aquariums on Oil Spill Alert

[depakid]

Source: NY Times

Thirty-two national wildlife refuges are at risk because of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. They span five states – Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Texas – and threaten dozens of species that are already endangered, including sea turtles, manatees and whooping cranes.

Although BP is paying for the rescue efforts, which are being supervised by the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, zoos and aquariums around the country are mobilizing to help with rehabilitation efforts as needed.

“What we have that is unique is trained and expert animal handlers that have many years of experience,” said Diane Olson, a curator at Moody Gardens an zoo and aquarium in Galveston, Tex., who is helping coordinate the efforts.

Last week three oiled sea turtles that were rescued were placed at the Audubon Aquatic Center for care and cleaning. The Minnesota Zoo is sending the center toothbrushes, towels and cleaning brushes to help remove the oil caked on the turtles, one of which weighs over 100 pounds. In addition, 50 organizations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are offering help from their experts – veterinarians, zookeepers and animal technicians – as well as other resources like animal food and vehicles.

Read more: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/zoos-and-aquariums-on-oil-spill-alert/

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Will BP let them in to help. I read that BP was denying access to rescuers, the media, and even

some independent engineers who wanted to help

[DesertRat]

2. Damn

:-(

[jmondine]

3. I'm already a volunteer at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle

Though we're far from the front lines, we are part of the AZA.
The history of zoos is fascinating to me. They've gone from private menageries to public tourist attractions to sanctuaries. Though we get occasional flak from some animal groups, from my own experience, you won't find a group of people anywhere more caring and loving of animals, and more dedicated to their survival on our planet.