In the Fall of 2001, the Minnesota Zoo AAZK in a partnership with the Center for Ecosystem Survival, purchased a Conservation Parking Meter for the Tropics Trail at the Zoo. When Zoo visitors put their spare change in the meter they are supporting the purchase and protection of tropical rainforest ecosystems.

On your next visit to the Zoo look for the Conservation Parking Meter near the Gibbon exhibit on the Tropics Trail and drop in a few coins to make a difference in the preservation of vital habitats!

SCAC kit for reproductive research at the Zoo:

In March of 2001 the Minnesota Zoo AAZK awarded Dr. Onnie Byers, Program Officer for CBSG (Captive Breeding Specialist Group), $1,100 to compile a Semen Collection, Analysis and Cryopreservation (SCAC) kit for the Minnesota Zoo. This kit provides the equipment and supplies needed to conduct reproductive evaluations and semen freezing on male animals in the Minnesota Zoo's collection. These procedures can be a vital part of the captive breeding efforts of endangered species at the Zoo.

Hornbill Research Foundation:

AAZK has contributed to the Hornbill Family Adoption Project. $120 adopts one Hornbill family/year. These funds support the hiring of local villagers to protect and monitor hornbill nests in the wild and the collection of scientific data for the Thailand Hornbill Project, which conducts research on the biological and ecological aspects of Hornbills.

F.R.A.W.G.:

Since our Chapter formed in 1994, we have been pleased to provide support to F.R.A.W.G. (Friends of Rare Amphibians of the Western Ghats). F.R.A.W.G. is a non-profit group formed by a few of the keepers at the Minnesota Zoo to bring attention and support for conservation, education and research efforts in this rich and diverse ecosystem in western India. The Western Ghats is the richest area in all of Asia for amphibian species. It is home to 84 amphibian species found nowhere else in the world.

In partnership with FRAWG, AAZK provided funds toward a three-day conference, "Frog Captive Management Workshop," at the Arignar Anna Zoo in Chennai, India in September of 2000. The workshop focused on both practical information on captive management techniques as well as conservation, research and educational issues.

Mexican Wolf Conservation:

Over the years, AAZK had provided funds to wolf conservation projects led by the USFWS and the Mexican Wolf SSP, in efforts to reintroduce Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico.

More information on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Project.

Bio Brasil:

In 2002 AAZK awarded a grant to Dave Cruz, Bird Show Naturalist, to aid his involvement in the Bio Brasil conservation project to research and protect the critically endangered Lear's Macaw.

More information on BioBrasil.