In 1999, WCS started executing the Greater MadidiTambopata Landscape Program, focusing their efforts
on iconic and threatened species (Andean condor, Andean bear, jaguar, giant otter, maned wolf), searching
to harmonize the requirements for human development with wildlife needs. The Program is oriented
towards strengthening the links between protected areas and other land management units (communities,
indigenous territories and municipalities), supporting
integrated planning processes and the development
of land management capacities. By working together
with local allies and actors (social organizations, communities and productive associations), research and
natural resource management experiences are being
generated leading to concrete economic results and
ecological sustainability.
The Palm Beach Zoo started presenting running
events with the Save The Tiger 5k in May 2013, adding
the Save The Jaguar 5k in January 2014, and the Save
The Jaguar 5k in September 2015. These nine races to
date have generated approximately $55,000 total for
big cat conservation.
The races have also helped educate the public and
drive interest towards these endangered big cats. One
person who has participated in all nine races is Glen
Van Slooten, a Palm Beach Zoo member. In a recent
conversation with him, he said: “All of the races have
been great. I actually ran all three races this year as
well as last year. These races have all been extremely
well organized, even including accurate chip timing.
They have an early pre-race packet pickup opportunity which saves me time on race morning and helps
to insures you get the correct size T-shirt. The big
cat race T-shirts are some of the coolest shirts I have
received since I started running races over 30 years
ago. The course winds through Dreher Park which is a
great scenic course free from motor vehicles”.
People at times underestimate the work of zoos
in our communities. Events like the Zoo’s 5k race
series at Palm Beach Zoo help to support the work of
the center on behalf of endangered species like the
Malaysian Tiger. The races have also shifted attention towards “Big Cats” care and their habitats. In this
respect, Mr. Van Slooten says “I have always been a
lover of big cats and when I saw the zoo had races to
support them I just had to run every one. Before and
after theses races there are usually several speakers
talking about how rare these cats have become in the
wild and how their environment has been threatened.
Keepers talks happening regularly at the Zoo also are
very informative to me and expose the environmental
threats these magnificent animals are experiencing.
Knowing I am helping to save the big cats keeps me
motivated to continue running these races.”
It’s important to keep “teaching race participants
about actions they can take to help wild panthers, we
hope to fulfill our mission of inspiring people to act
on behalf of wildlife and the natural world”, says Ron
Brooks, Events Manager for the Zoo.
Now that all 3 yearly runs are established, the Zoo
offers “Big Cat Race Series” registration prior to the
January run. The series package saves the runner
some money over individual registration and provides
a special series T-shirt and award for those runners.
The 2016 Big Cat Race Series package was purchased
by 138 runners.
The 2017 series registration is
anticipated to open this year at
www.palmbeachzoo.org in early October. Registration includes Zoo admission
for the runner and discount coupons for
up to 3 friends and family per runner to
watch them cross the finish line.
Things you should know. These 5k runs
use portions of the roadways and paths
of Dreher Park and finish inside the Zoo.
They pass by the Zoo’s Malayan tiger
habitats, koala, fennec fox, siamang, and
more on the way to the central fountain
plaza for the finish line. Isn’t it marvelous experience?
On the right, Glen Van
Slooten, a member of
the Palm Beach Zoo
who has participated
in all 9 races.
4th quarter edition - 2016
23