Animal care
professionals
are among the
world’s strongest
conservation
advocates.
Beach Mice on the Brink
Found only on a small island between Florida and
Alabama, the endangered Perdido Key beach mouse is
essential to its coastal ecosystem.
When left uneaten, seeds stored by these tiny
rodents may grow into adult plants that help
stabilize the dunes in which they are buried.
Stronger dunes provide greater protection to
local infrastructure during hurricanes.
Beach mice are threatened by habitat loss, introduced
predators and a population decline resulting from
2004’s Hurricane Ivan. With help from state and federal
agencies and other zoos, we have developed a breeding
program to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse
captive population. Many of the offspring have been
released in Perdido Key to help the wild stock rebound.
Brevard American Association
of Zookeepers, an independent
professional development group
composed of the Zoo’s animal care
staff, hosts numerous fundraising
and educational events each year.
Two of their most notable events:
Chopsticks for Salamanders
Encourages diners at Asian
restaurants to protect salamander
habitat by employing reusable
chopsticks as opposed to their
single-use counterparts.
Putting for Rhinos
A miniature golf tournament
and raffle benefiting rhinoceros
conservation organizations.
Art for a Cause
Several of our animals seem to enjoy
painting as a form of enrichment.
These pieces are sold to Zoo
guests and the proceeds
donated to conservation
organizations.
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