The Zoophoria team is comprised of Lexi Grove, Ben Eckstein, Ryan Benincase, Sarah Backe, and Chad Gares. We are five friends from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry who decided that zoos can potentially be an important part of the community.
Alexandra Grove: Lexi is from Mexico, New York. She enjoys reading, hiking, and long walks on the beach.
Ben Eckstein: Ben lives in Canaan, New York; and likes comic books, hanging out with friends, and chatting about his pet lizard.
Ryan Benincase: Ryan is from Long Island, New York. He loves The Legend of Zelda, Camping, and Mountain Dew.
Sarah Backe: Sarah is from Warrensburg, New York. Sarah likes reading, hiking, the Boston Bruins, and the Backstreet Boys.
Chad Gares: Chad is from Pen Agryl, New York. Chad likes outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also loves cuddles.
Contact us with questions and comments!
Photo (from left to right): Chad, Sarah, Lexi, Ben, and Ryan
Alexandra Grove: Lexi is from Mexico, New York. She enjoys reading, hiking, and long walks on the beach.
Ben Eckstein: Ben lives in Canaan, New York; and likes comic books, hanging out with friends, and chatting about his pet lizard.
Ryan Benincase: Ryan is from Long Island, New York. He loves The Legend of Zelda, Camping, and Mountain Dew.
Sarah Backe: Sarah is from Warrensburg, New York. Sarah likes reading, hiking, the Boston Bruins, and the Backstreet Boys.
Chad Gares: Chad is from Pen Agryl, New York. Chad likes outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also loves cuddles.
Contact us with questions and comments!
Photo (from left to right): Chad, Sarah, Lexi, Ben, and Ryan
Why the students at ESF care:
Zoos that are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or AZA are a large part of the conservation of endangered species and world biodiversity. Only zoos accredited by the AZA may take part in breeding programs and posses endangered species. This not only allows zoos to take in endangered animals from the U.S and nearby, but also animals from other places in the world. AZA manages numerous large scale conservation initiatives that typically involve participation and collaboration amongst many AZA Committees. Zoos under the AZA take part in the conservation of seven large groups of specific endangered species. These groups include amphibians, apes, Asian wild horses, tigers, elephants, marine mammals, and ocean species. Protecting endangered species is important to world biodiversity because without biodiversity, ecosystem productivity would be extremely low and unsustainable. Protecting the biodiversity and sustainability of the world is a positive environmental aspect of zoos, but there are many negative effects zoos may have on the environment. Transportation of animals and their food, via truck or plane, uses fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gases. Waste from the animals can cause nitrate and methane pollution and disease-causing pathogens, which can contaminate ground water. The use of fresh water to hydrate the animals and provide bathing pools causes hundreds of gallons of water to be used each day. Some zoos have programs for visitors that teach about environmental awareness, such as the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and this may be the most important thing they can do. Spreading knowledge of how to be sustainable and aware to others can have more of an impact than just the zoos own actions. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has implemented multiple eco-friendly initiatives such as the use of rain water for pools and hydration, participation in breeding programs, and their facility has been LEED approved. The impact on the environment of attractions such as zoos is important to ensure the survival of species and their habitats. When considering AZA accredited zoos, like the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, efforts are being made to provide animal “sponsors” to promote species awareness, ensure captive animal well-being, and educate the public on environmental issues and ways they can help protect the environment. |
*Throughout the website are highlight responses to questions we asked from a twitter chat we hosted. Check them out!
Highlight responses to the question: What environmental impact do zoos have? Photo Credit: Sarah Backe
Ted Fox's opinion on zoos and animal captivity.
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