BLACK FOOTED FERRETS REINTRODUCED TO CANADA
CAZA-ACCREDITED ZOOS PARTNERS IN THE REINTRODUCTION
Ottawa – On Friday, October 2, 2009 history was made in a small corner of Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan when a small and quite adorable carnivore – once believed to be extinct – came home to Canada after more than 75 years. The ferret is still rare in the U.S. The first group of captive-born black footed ferrets was reintroduced to the Canadian prairie on an autumn afternoon in this unique habitat painstakingly prepared for their return.
The international effort to repatriate a species once considered extinct included the participation of two zoos accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) – the Toronto Zoo and the Calgary Zoo. Parks Canada, Agriculture Canada, Saskatchewan Environment and Agriculture departments, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the World Wildlife Fund complete the team of conservation partners collaborating on the reintroduction of black footed ferrets to Canadian soil.
This is not the first time that Canadian zoos have played a major role in the return of endangered species to their original habitat. In the past two years alone, CAZA-accredited zoos across the country were involved in similar conservation programs with endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Red-Sided Dace, the Spotted Owl, and others.
“Decades ago, animals in zoos mostly came from the wild, but now accredited zoological institutions are involved in and support conservation programs and species reintroduction efforts giving back both at home and throughout the world”, said Rachel Leger, current President of CAZA.
Leger continues “Advocating for the protection of habitat, the re-establishment of ecosystems, raising awareness of the importance of these species and spaces to the Canadian landscape have become hallmarks of CAZA-accredited zoos and aquariums”.
The combined efforts of accredited zoos and aquariums and their partners, requiring years of preparation, dedication of resources, committed experts and continuing research is making a difference in the conservation of endangered species. Visiting and supporting your local CAZA-accredited zoo or aquarium means you too can make a difference in preserving and protecting these precious Canadian animals.
The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a not for profit national organization that represents Canada’s 26 accredited zoos and aquariums. It sets and enforces rigorous standards through its accreditation program, coordinates work in the fields of research, conservation and education, and represents its members’ interests with governments at all levels.
For further information, contact:
Bill Peters, National Director, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums
www.caza.ca
