32 National Wildlife Refuges At Risk In Gulf - Span Five States, Protect Whoopers, Manatees, Turtles

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Thirty-two National Wildlife Refuges re 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.

EDIT

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