Posts by Communications
AAZV 2023 Conference Recap
Listen to our staff talk about the work that goes on behind the scenes of the Wild Animal Health Fund! The Rossifari Podcast helps people understand the conservation mission behind all good zoos and aquariums, and to feel a deeper connection with the amazing species exhibited in managed care.
Read MoreGlobal Threats to Shark Populations
Offshore impact such as underwater noise and wind energy development has led to the decline of shark populations in many areas. In fact, elasmobranch abundance (sharks, rays, and similar animals) has declined globally by 71% in the past 50 years. To the average person, this may not seem like an issue that requires an immediate…
Read MoreWorld Snake Day
Snakes have slithered around earth for hundreds of millions of years. These ancient reptiles help keep populations in check, regulate our environment, and some have even become beloved pets. Yet, they remain fascinating creatures. As with many species, there are still some things we have yet to discover about them. World Snake Day celebrates these…
Read MoreIs animal extinction really happening?
Yes! In fact, experts believe that we are in the midst of the 6th mass animal extinction known to man, called the Holocene extinction. A mass extinction is when a high percentage of distinct species dies out in a short period of time. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared 160 species,…
Read MoreWorld Wildlife Day 2023
March 3rd of every year is World Wildlife Day, a day to celebrate the world’s wildlife and plants and the contribution they make to the planet. Wild animals and their biodiversity keep our ecosystems functioning and the world turning. While you’re celebrating today, remember that they also need our help. Did you know that there are…
Read MoreAnimals That Are Extinct (from this century)
You’ve probably heard of a species going extinct, but what does that mean exactly? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes all species. There are several categories for classifying species: Not Evaluated (NE), Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC), Near Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), Critically Endangered (CR), Extinct in the Wild…
Read MoreWildlife Conservation Includes Their Health
Think of wildlife conservation. Did you picture yourself planting trees, visiting a wildlife refuge, or participating in a beach clean up? Those are a few critical components of land conservation for wildlife. After all, they need safe habitats to thrive in! Imagine wildlife conservation as a puzzle, and land conservation and habitat restoration as a…
Read MoreWhy should you not feed wildlife?
It’s tempting to feed wildlife or at some point, and it seems like an innocent action. Whether it’s tossing bread to ducks or giving squirrels your leftovers, feeding or touching wildlife is always harmful and sometimes illegal. So, why should you not feed (or touch) wildlife? Human food is not healthy for wildlife Wild animals…
Read MoreCanine Distemper (CDV) in Wildlife
What is Canine Distemper? If you have a dog, you’ve probably heard of canine distemper (CDV) and vaccinated your dog for it. It is highly contagious and causes difficulty breathing, coughing, and pneumonia. In addition to those symptoms, it can cause neurological symptoms that are very similar to rabies. Saliva, urine, feces, and other respiratory…
Read MoreOur Ecosystems Need the Little Guys!
The world’s ecosystems are incredible to observe. Each species has a role, much like an office! Also like an office or any workplace, there are the big fries and the little fries. Our ecosystems consist of animals, insects, plants, and microorganisms all working together to balance the Earth. Curious how the little fries affect the…
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