Zoo & Aquarium News
Zoos and Aquariums as Economic Engines LINDA CENDES
I
n a tough eco- nomic climate, it’s important to remember
that attractions aren’t stand-alone entities, but are closely linked with, and supported by, local and national suppliers. Vendors, restaurants, hotels and con-
struction fi rms all benefi t from the presence of attractions and their visitors. To capture the critical economic impact
that its members had locally, regionally and nationally, AZA commissioned econ- omist Dr Stephen Fuller. He concluded:
“The cumulative economic impact of the 212 US AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums is $16bn and 142,000 jobs”
“Annual spending by zoos and aquariums for operations and capital projects generate signifi cant economic benefi ts for their host jurisdictions. T ese benefi ts build from the initial outlays, as they’re re-spent across the breadth of the economy…T ese ben- efi ts also generate earnings to the benefi t of workers and support job growth locally, regionally and nationally.” T e cumulative economic impact of the
212 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in the US is: US$16bn (£9.8bn, 11.25bn) in economic activity; $4.7bn (£2.9bn, 3.3bn) in salaries and wages; and 142,000 jobs. “Zoos and aquariums are important eco-
nomic engines,” said Jim Maddy, president and CEO of AZA. “Not only are they deeply committed to science education and wild- life conservation, but they generate jobs and support local communities.” Today, economic messages resonate with
government offi cials and the general public. By conducting their own studies, zoos and aquariums can prove just how vital they are as contributors to the larger economy.
Linda Cendes, program assistant, communications, AZA
10 15m Sea Life Centre for Rome PETE HAYMAN
Merlin Entertainments has revealed that it will open a new €15m (£13.3m, US$21.7m) Sea Life attraction as part of the Municipality of Rome’s Second Tourist Pole development. T e operator has secured an
agreement with Mare Nostrum Romae S.r.L for the aquar- ium, which will be located in the Acquario di Roma retail and leisure complex and will complement a 4D theatre and Mediterraneum exposition – both of which will also feature marine-based elements. Work has already commenced on site and
it’s hoped that the Sea Life site will open in spring 2012. T e centre will feature a tropical ocean tank with underwater tunnel and more than 30 displays of marine life. Nick Mackenzie, managing director of Merlin’s property and development group, said:
An underwater tunnel experience – like this Paris one – is to be created
“We believe that Sea Life will greatly enhance the shopping and entertainment experience. “Our commitment to build a Sea Life aquar-
ium underlines our belief that Rome, and particularly the Acquario di Roma, is a per- fect location for what we hope will be our fi rst attraction here with more to follow.”
Chester Zoo ‘biodome’ plans on hold TOM WALKER
Chester Zoo has shelved its plans for a new £90m Heart of Africa biodome attraction, saying that the project will now form a ‘latter part’ of its £225m (€254.5m, US$368.9m) Natural Vision scheme. A zoo spokesperson told
Attractions Management that the biodome had been post- poned due to government cuts and that another part of the Natural Vision would take priority and open as the fi rst phase of the redevelopment. The spokesperson said:
T e attraction said Heart of Africa would be developed at a later stage
“T e biodome has been put on hold and will now be a latter part of the Natural Vision project. T e Islands project has been brought forward and this will now be the fi rst phase with a pencilled in opening date of 2014.”
Connected by a boat ride, the Islands proj-
ect will pull together some of the zoo’s existing animal species to create a themed experience. It will include educational exhibits, play areas, restaurants and village-style food stands.
US attractions in animal conservation boost PETE HAYMAN
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens will invest more than US$1m (£610,000, €690,000) in the con- servation of endangered animal species. Funding will be distributed by the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which
Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital
was established eight years ago and has already granted more than US$8m (£4.9m, €5.5m). T e latest round of grants are to be shared by
more than 100 projects across the world, such as a programme to reintroduce endangered cheetahs back to the African wild.
AM 3 2011 ©cybertrek 2011
image: pinpin
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