Conservation in the Wild

Waterberg Carnivore
Project Namibia

The age old conflict between farmer and predator is being played out in Namibia in southwest Africa. The Waterberg Carnivore Project Namibia (WCPN) was started in 2004 in response to the concerns of local researchers and farmers to address issues of large carnivore conflict and interaction between the co-occurring large carnivore species.

Following its primary goals, the WCPN hopes to provide data and cost-benefit analysis to assess farmers' benefits from maintaining large carnivores on their property.

The WCPN is a collaborative effort between Andrew Stein, a Fulbright scholar and University of Massachusetts PhD candidate, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). CCF is a non-profit Namibian trust dedicated to cheetah conservation through research, education and conservation programs.

Naples Zoo is a financial contributor.

Ocelot Conservation in South America

Brazilian Ocelot Consortium
Naples Zoo is one of 10 members of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium (links to PDF file). The ocelot is endangered throughout its natural range within the southern U.S. and Latin America. Wild ocelot populations are becoming increasingly geographically-isolated, and with continued habitat loss and restricted gene flow, are at increased risk for inbreeding and extinction. Ocelot populations outside the wild can serve as insurance against species extinction; however, almost all ocelots in U.S. zoos have been classified as of unknown or mixed subspecies origin and are not genetically representative of any wild ocelot population.

In contrast, Brazilian zoos possess fairly large populations of ocelots, primarily consisting of one defined subspecies, but are in need of assistance in developing and supporting effective conservation programs. Ocelot conservation will require concerted efforts both in the United States and Brazil to more efficiently manage captive populations while preserving remaining habitat and populations in the wild.

The Brazilian Ocelot Consortium was formed as a conservation partnership under the auspices of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), Brazil Conservation Action Partnership (CAP), and Ocelot Species Survival Plan (SSP), in cooperation with Brazil's Special Working Group for Small Brazilian Cats and the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Renewable Resources (IBAMA). The primary goal of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium is to identify priority issues affecting the survival of the Brazilian ocelot and develop a comprehensive management strategy that addresses conservation needs both in the field and in zoos.

Brazilian Habitat Project
Naples Zoo has an additional five year financial commitment through the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas. Their staff provides training in diverse agro-forestry practices with local communities to create forested habitat and corridors for wildlife around forest that has been fragmented to help ocelots, jaguars, and many other rare species. This project is being carried out in the Pontal de Parapanema region of the Interior Atlantic Rainforest.

Texas Ocelot Education
Naples Zoo has two ocelots named Taz and Belize involved in educational programming at the Zoo. These two cats traveled with zoo staff to Texas in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 for a series of ocelot awareness events for the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Less than 100 ocelots remain in the United States and most Texans living in ocelot habitat areas have never seen a living ocelot. Thousands of adults and school children were thrilled to see these cats in person.

Update from 2007 Texas Trip
from Jody Mays at Laguna Atascosa NWR

"Cindy Hall, Taz, and Belize went to 4 different local schools and I think made a great positive impact on those students, some of whom had never heard of an ocelot. For the first time, we also did presentations to 2 partners in ocelot conservation efforts - one to staff at the Texas Department of Transportation and one to residents of a golf course with some nearby habitat and a corridor connection. I think those went really well and helped put a 'face' on the animal some of our partners have heard about but never seen."

"I can't tell you how much we appreciate the wonderful partnership of the Naples Zoo in our Ocelot Conservation Festival, including the associated school and partner programs. I think it really makes a tremendous difference for people to actually see this rare, nocturnal, elusive animal. The live ocelot program from the Naples Zoo continues to be the highlight of the Ocelot Festival. The students in the area schools also were extremely excited to have the program. And I think the new effort of presenting the program to partner agencies and organizations will increase the potential for Taz and Belize to help make a positive difference for ocelots in the wild here in Texas."

Sustainable Seafood
The once seemingly limitless abundance of the oceans is becoming overfished or even farmed in environmentally damaging methods. Many of the fish are in trouble because of consumer demand. Unknowingly, the choices we make in the grocery stores and restaurants are threatening entire species.

To allow guests to know which fish to avoid and which ones are being sustainably caught, the zoo distributes Seafood Watch cards. These handy cards fit in a wallet or purse and can be used as a reference when making a seafood decision. You can also download and print the Southeast Seafood Watch card now.

More info on sustainable seafood at the links below.

The Ocean Conservancy The Ocean Conservancy is the largest and oldest organization dedicated solely to protecting the oceans with more than 900,000 members and volunteers.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
Conservation Endowment Fund
Naples Zoo donates to the general funding of the AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF). The CEF plays a vital role as zoos and aquariums strengthen the links between their educational programs at home and their conservation initiatives in nature.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the CEF is the breadth of projects it funds. The CEF supports every major type of conservation and animal care initiative including research, field conservation, education, animal health, and breeding outside the wild.

If you or your company would like to assist in these efforts, find out more on the AZA web site here.

Since the mid-1990s , Naples Zoo has hosted "Save the Panther Day," an annual event to support the recovery of the Florida panther through the support group for the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Collier county.

Learn more about the Friends and how you can become involved and even volunteer in the refuge by clicking here.

Naples Zoo provides paid staff to do volunteer projects on Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and are also engaged in other regional conservation programs and government advisory roles.

Zoo staff have served in various positions for the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge over the years and also serve an advisory role in the Madagascar Fauna Group.

The Clouded Leopard Project

Naples Zoo provides financial support to assist in the conservation of this little know species of endangered wild cat. This project is an education and fundraising effort supported by the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and the Point Defiance Zoological Society in cooperation with the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan.

Because of their secretive habits in the wild, the little that is currently known about this cat is from research done outside the wild.

Working with both US zoos along with zoos and forestry staff in Thailand, one of the cat's range countries, the goal of this project is to raise awareness about this little-known species of wild cat and to support research and conservation efforts underway both in wild and outside the wild.

Find out more here.

Madagascar Fauna Group
Betampona Ruffed Lemur Release and Conservation Program
Madagascar is considered to be one of the top conservation priorities in the world. More than 80% of the plants and animals on the island nation are found nowhere else on the planet.

That 80% includes the lemurs like the ones seen in our presentations and on the cruise. Madagascar Fauna Group is an alliance of 40 zoos including Naples Zoo and other related institutions dedicated to preserving the wildlife of Madagascar. The black and white ruffed lemur restocking project is the centerpiece of a larger conservation program for Betampona. Without an infusion of new genetics, the computer models for this reserve calculated extinction from inbreeding within a century. The releases have been successful with zoo born lemurs surviving in the wild and breeding with wild lemurs.

Charlie Welch, a technical advisor for the MFG who has lived with his family in Madagascar since the late 1980s affirms, "Successes such as we have been fortunate to experience in the Betampona restocking project would not be possible without the support of all the MFG member institutions including Naples Zoo. The MFG is an excellent example of what zoos can do when they cooperate and pool their resources."

The MFG also carries on education programs for the Malagasy people including classroom work as well as a forestry and agricultural station to teach about sustainable agriculture. They also assist in the operation of a small zoo to further educate residents about the wonders of their island's flora and fauna.

10% of the purchase price of all plush toy primates sold in The ZOO Gift Shop is donated to MFG. The zoo's director of conservation also officially serves as the Public Awareness Advisor for the group and created their new website. Learn more about MFG here.

National Wildlife Federation
Bring the Panther Home

In cooperation with the National Wildlife Federation, Naples Zoo held a fundraiser to create an educational display about the endangered Florida panther with additional funds going directly to work toward protecting panthers in the wild.

This display known as Panther Glade enables guests to get an up close look at the panther's close relative, the cougar, while learning about the issues that have reduced the historic range of this extraordinary cat from the entire Southeast to the tip of southern Florida in less than a century.

Guests also learn what they can do to help restore a balance to the wild by bringing the panther back home. Learn more about the cooperative fundraiser that made it possible here.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat™
Naples Zoo dedicated a space to creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ and had it certified by the National Wildlife Federation. The site currently has the four elements required by all certified sites including food, water, cover, and places to raise young. The goal of the zoo's habitat beyond providing another site for wildlife is to provide inspiring ideas for zoo guests and members in creating their own Backyard Wildlife Habitats. This program was begun by NWF in 1973 and currently has approximately 70,000 certified sites all over America. Click here to learn more and see how you can create your own habitat!

Florida Wildlife Calendar! Find out what to look for this month around Florida.

Wildlife Conservation Society Tiger Campaign

Since 1895, Wildlife Conservation Society has helped establish over one hundred wildlife reserves on our planet. The Society also completed the first ever scientific study of wild tigers. And ever since, they have remained firmly dedicated to saving the most majestic cat on earth.

Naples Zoo supports the WCS Tiger Campaign by donating 5% of the purchase price of all plush toy tigers sold in The ZOO Gift Shop to their efforts. "The support that Naples Zoo is providing to WCS is greatly appreciated - unrestricted funds are like liquid gold," stated Dr. Joshua Ginsberg, Director of Asia Programs for WCS.

Following one donation, Dr. Ginsberg replied that the"funds were used to support our work to develop a National Tiger Action Plan for Cambodia." The initial survey partially funded by the zoo revealed a newly discovered population inhabiting a relatively undisturbed area. With that knowledge, those cats can be protected before that area is destroyed. Learn more about the project here.

Species Survival Plans

Naples Zoo participates in a variety of cooperative programs to help rare wildlife. One of these efforts is the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. A sampling of SSP species at Naples Zoo include Black and white colobus monkeys, Malayan tigers, Black-handed spider monkeys, Louisiana Pine Snakes, Ruffed lemurs, African wild dogs, Ring-tailed lemurs, Brown lemurs, and White-handed gibbons.



Waterberg Carnivore Project Namibia The age old conflict between farmer and predator is being played out in Namibia in southwest Africa. The Waterberg Carnivore Project Namibia (WCPN) was started in 2004 in response to the concerns of local researchers and farmers to address issues of large carnivore conflict and interaction between the co-occurring large carnivore species. Following its primary goals, the WCPN hopes to provide data and cost-benefit analysis to assess farmers' benefits from maintaining large carnivores on their property. The WCPN is a collaborative effort between Andrew Stein, a Fulbright scholar and University of Massachusetts PhD candidate, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). CCF is a non-profit Namibian trust dedicated to cheetah conservation through research, education and conservation programs. Naples Zoo is a financial contributor. Stein working on a live leopard in the field. Ocelot Conservation in South America Brazilian Ocelot Consortium Naples Zoo is one of 10 members of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium (links to PDF file). The ocelot is endangered throughout its natural range within the southern U.S. and Latin America. Wild ocelot populations are becoming increasingly geographically-isolated, and with continued habitat loss and restricted gene flow, are at increased risk for inbreeding and extinction. Ocelot populations outside the wild can serve as insurance against species extinction; however, almost all ocelots in U.S. zoos have been classified as of unknown or mixed subspecies origin and are not genetically representative of any wild ocelot population. In contrast, Brazilian zoos possess fairly large populations of ocelots, primarily consisting of one defined subspecies, but are in need of assistance in developing and supporting effective conservation programs. Ocelot conservation will require concerted efforts both in the United States and Brazil to more efficiently manage captive populations while preserving remaining habitat and populations in the wild. The Brazilian Ocelot Consortium was formed as a conservation partnership under the auspices of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), Brazil Conservation Action Partnership (CAP), and Ocelot Species Survival Plan (SSP), in cooperation with Brazil's Special Working Group for Small Brazilian Cats and the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Renewable Resources (IBAMA). The primary goal of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium is to identify priority issues affecting the survival of the Brazilian ocelot and develop a comprehensive management strategy that addresses conservation needs both in the field and in zoos. Brazilian Habitat Project Naples Zoo has an additional five year financial commitment through the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas. Their staff provides training in diverse agro-forestry practices with local communities to create forested habitat and corridors for wildlife around forest that has been fragmented to help ocelots, jaguars, and many other rare species. This project is being carried out in the Pontal de Parapanema region of the Interior Atlantic Rainforest. Texas Ocelot Education Naples Zoo has two ocelots named Taz and Belize involved in educational programming at the Zoo. These two cats traveled with zoo staff to Texas in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 for a series of ocelot awareness events for the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Less than 100 ocelots remain in the United States and most Texans living in ocelot habitat areas have never seen a living ocelot. Thousands of adults and school children were thrilled to see these cats in person. Update from 2007 Texas Trip from Jody Mays at Laguna Atascosa NWR "Cindy Hall, Taz, and Belize went to 4 different local schools and I think made a great positive impact on those students, some of whom had never heard of an ocelot. For the first time, we also did presentations to 2 partners in ocelot conservation efforts - one to staff at the Texas Department of Transportation and one to residents of a golf course with some nearby habitat and a corridor connection. I think those went really well and helped put a 'face' on the animal some of our partners have heard about but never seen." "I can't tell you how much we appreciate the wonderful partnership of the Naples Zoo in our Ocelot Conservation Festival, including the associated school and partner programs. I think it really makes a tremendous difference for people to actually see this rare, nocturnal, elusive animal. The live ocelot program from the Naples Zoo continues to be the highlight of the Ocelot Festival. The students in the area schools also were extremely excited to have the program. And I think the new effort of presenting the program to partner agencies and organizations will increase the potential for Taz and Belize to help make a positive difference for ocelots in the wild here in Texas." Sustainable Seafood The once seemingly limitless abundance of the oceans is becoming overfished or even farmed in environmentally damaging methods. Many of the fish are in trouble because of consumer demand. Unknowingly, the choices we make in the grocery stores and restaurants are threatening entire species. To allow guests to know which fish to avoid and which ones are being sustainably caught, the zoo distributes Seafood Watch cards. These handy cards fit in a wallet or purse and can be used as a reference when making a seafood decision. You can also download and print the Southeast Seafood Watch card now. More info on sustainable seafood at the links below. The Ocean Conservancy The Ocean Conservancy is the largest and oldest organization dedicated solely to protecting the oceans with more than 900,000 members and volunteers. Seafood Choices Alliance Request a sustainable seafood card on the internet: Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Conservation Endowment Fund Naples Zoo donates to the general funding of the AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF). The CEF plays a vital role as zoos and aquariums strengthen the links between their educational programs at home and their conservation initiatives in nature. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the CEF is the breadth of projects it funds. The CEF supports every major type of conservation and animal care initiative including research, field conservation, education, animal health, and breeding outside the wild. If you or your company would like to assist in these efforts, find out more on the AZA web site here. Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge Save the Panther Day Since the mid-1990s , Naples Zoo has hosted "Save the Panther Day," an annual event to support the recovery of the Florida panther through the support group for the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Collier county. Learn more about the Friends and how you can become involved and even volunteer in the refuge by clicking here. Zoo Staff for the Wild Naples Zoo provides paid staff to do volunteer projects on Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and are also engaged in other regional conservation programs and government advisory roles. Zoo staff have served in various positions for the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge over the years and also serve an advisory role in the Madagascar Fauna Group. The Clouded Leopard Project Naples Zoo provides financial support to assist in the conservation of this little know species of endangered wild cat. This project is an education and fundraising effort supported by the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and the Point Defiance Zoological Society in cooperation with the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan. Because of their secretive habits in the wild, the little that is currently known about this cat is from research done outside the wild. Working with both US zoos along with zoos and forestry staff in Thailand, one of the cat's range countries, the goal of this project is to raise awareness about this little-known species of wild cat and to support research and conservation efforts underway both in wild and outside the wild. Find out more here. Madagascar Fauna Group Betampona Ruffed Lemur Release and Conservation Program Madagascar is considered to be one of the top conservation priorities in the world. More than 80% of the plants and animals on the island nation are found nowhere else on the planet. That 80% includes the lemurs like the ones seen in our presentations and on the cruise. Madagascar Fauna Group is an alliance of 40 zoos including Naples Zoo and other related institutions dedicated to preserving the wildlife of Madagascar. The black and white ruffed lemur restocking project is the centerpiece of a larger conservation program for Betampona. Without an infusion of new genetics, the computer models for this reserve calculated extinction from inbreeding within a century. The releases have been successful with zoo born lemurs surviving in the wild and breeding with wild lemurs. Charlie Welch, a technical advisor for the MFG who has lived with his family in Madagascar since the late 1980s affirms, "Successes such as we have been fortunate to experience in the Betampona restocking project would not be possible without the support of all the MFG member institutions including Naples Zoo. The MFG is an excellent example of what zoos can do when they cooperate and pool their resources." The MFG also carries on education programs for the Malagasy people including classroom work as well as a forestry and agricultural station to teach about sustainable agriculture. They also assist in the operation of a small zoo to further educate residents about the wonders of their island's flora and fauna. 10% of the purchase price of all plush toy primates sold in The ZOO Gift Shop is donated to MFG. The zoo's director of conservation also officially serves as the Public Awareness Advisor for the group and created their new website. Learn more about MFG here. National Wildlife Federation Bring the Panther Home In cooperation with the National Wildlife Federation, Naples Zoo held a fundraiser to create an educational display about the endangered Florida panther with additional funds going directly to work toward protecting panthers in the wild. This display known as Panther Glade enables guests to get an up close look at the panther's close relative, the cougar, while learning about the issues that have reduced the historic range of this extraordinary cat from the entire Southeast to the tip of southern Florida in less than a century. Guests also learn what they can do to help restore a balance to the wild by bringing the panther back home. Learn more about the cooperative fundraiser that made it possible here. Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ Naples Zoo dedicated a space to creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ and had it certified by the National Wildlife Federation. The site currently has the four elements required by all certified sites including food, water, cover, and places to raise young. The goal of the zoo's habitat beyond providing another site for wildlife is to provide inspiring ideas for zoo guests and members in creating their own Backyard Wildlife Habitats. This program was begun by NWF in 1973 and currently has approximately 70,000 certified sites all over America. Click here to learn more and see how you can create your own habitat! Florida Wildlife Calendar! Find out what to look for this month around Florida. Wildlife Conservation Society Tiger Campaign Since 1895, Wildlife Conservation Society has helped establish over one hundred wildlife reserves on our planet. The Society also completed the first ever scientific study of wild tigers. And ever since, they have remained firmly dedicated to saving the most majestic cat on earth. Naples Zoo supports the WCS Tiger Campaign by donating 5% of the purchase price of all plush toy tigers sold in The ZOO Gift Shop to their efforts. "The support that Naples Zoo is providing to WCS is greatly appreciated - unrestricted funds are like liquid gold," stated Dr. Joshua Ginsberg, Director of Asia Programs for WCS. Following one donation, Dr. Ginsberg replied that the"funds were used to support our work to develop a National Tiger Action Plan for Cambodia." The initial survey partially funded by the zoo revealed a newly discovered population inhabiting a relatively undisturbed area. With that knowledge, those cats can be protected before that area is destroyed. Learn more about the project here. Species Survival Plans Naples Zoo participates in a variety of cooperative programs to help rare wildlife. One of these efforts is the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. A sampling of SSP species at Naples Zoo include Black and white colobus monkeys, Malayan tigers, Black-handed spider monkeys, Louisiana Pine Snakes, Ruffed lemurs, African wild dogs, Ring-tailed lemurs, Brown lemurs, and White-handed gibbons.
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