Zoo gains DOC award for conservation with community focus

Auckland Zoo's conservation promotion and programmes have earned it a special Department of Conservation (DOC) award.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter presented the 2005 Conservation Achievement Award in Partnerships and Community Involvement to Zoo Director Glen Holland at a celebratory ceremony at Auckland Zoo yesterday to mark the opening of Conservation Week (1 – 5 August).

The zoo award was one of six awards presented to honour Auckland organisations or individuals achieving successful conservation outcomes over the past year.

The zoo's work with threatened species in the areas of both breeding recovery and research, and its promotion of conservation messages through its events, activities, and education programmes, were given specific acknowledgement.

The zoo's cultural celebration and promotion of conservation issues and organisations through its Waitangi Day event, Kiwi Icon Day, and its Education Service's international award winning internet programme 'Sniff, Swing & Swipe' and highly commended 'Poo at the Zoo' environmental programme, are just three examples.

“In line with the 2005 World Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Strategy, Auckland Zoo is maximizing the use of the zoo as a resource to benefit real conservation,” says Auckland Zoo Director, Glen Holland.

“A good example is the fundraising campaign currently underway to establish a New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, which focuses on disease issues affecting the environment, people and wildlife nationally.

“Partnerships and collaborations are a key focus in reaching our conservation goals, and zoo staff were absolutely thrilled to be chosen by DOC as the host for the launch of Conservation Week,” says Mr Holland.

ENDS

About Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic wildlife species in New Zealand (over 1000 animals and 178 species) and attracts over half a million visitors annually. It is becoming increasingly well known nationally and internationally through the award-winning television programme, 'The Zoo'. At the heart of all Auckland Zoo's work and activities is its MISSION: "to focus the Zoo’s resources to benefit conservation and provide exciting visitor experiences which inspire and empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment". Auckland Zoo is a member of both the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks & Aquaria (ARAZPA) and the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA).

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