TOP TEAM
AZA What is AZA?
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable membership organisation founded 85 years ago. We have 221 insti- tutional members in seven countries and 6,000 individual members. To become a member, zoos and
aquariums must to go through a rigorous accreditation process which establishes high standards for every aspect of zoo and aquarium management. For the individual members we function
as a professional society. We offer training, awards and recognition and we operate conferences and meetings where papers are presented and we represent our mem- bers in public in government affairs.
What is the Species Survival Program?
This is our animal management pro- gramme, which we have in place for approximately 160 different species. It helps our members collectively manage and conserve wild animals. Imagine if you had two rhinoceroses here, and six over there, and another four
STEVE FELDMAN
someplace else. If you managed them all separately, you wouldn’t necessarily have the breeding and genetic diversity to main- tain a healthy population. But, if you work together and say, “right, we have 63 alto- gether and know where they are and what their relationship to each other is”, then you can move them around, breed them and protect them. Most of these animals move around
between zoos and aquariums without any money changing hands. They’re donations and breeding loans – these animals are priceless and we’re working hard to conserve them.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ top team talks to Kathleen Whyman about the oil spill in Mexico, the AZA’s accreditation process and its 100-year plan for guaranteeing species’ survival
STEVE FELDMAN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS What’s your role?
Part of my job is to make people realise what an important role we play in saving the planet. To do that we work with our zoo and aquarium members to ensure best practice and elaborate on projects for con- servation, then they tell that story to their visitors. Our members collectively have 180 million visitors a year – that amounts to half the US population. There are other conser- vation organisations who do a lot of good work, but nobody else has a collection of institutions that have that kind of exposure to the public. One of the most interesting things I do is act as spokesperson for AZA. Not a day goes by without me getting to talk about the amazing work our members are doing.
When do you act as spokesperson?
Local members often look for expertise and comments. Sometimes I talk about the situation, sometimes I pass them on to the relevant expert. I have access to a tre- mendous number of scientists, biologists, researchers and veterinarians. I also speak if there’s been an accident
with an animal. Zoos and aquariums have a remarkable record of safety – there’s more danger in crossing the street to get to the zoo than when you’re at the zoo. That’s probably why it’s such a big deal when something happens. The big question the press and public
want to know is “is there an independent body that oversees what’s going on?” or “is there going to be an appropriate review of whatever occurred?”.
What’s the main challenge?
Amphibians are one of the most threatened animal groups and are a large part of AZA’s focus Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital
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You can never communicate enough. There aren’t enough hours in the day to reach everyone with your message, so I’m fi nding new ways to share information with people. We use the latest technology and media to help us – we’re tweeting and Facebooking to spread the word.
AM 3 2010 ©cybertrek 2010
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