Posts by Sydney Kirk
World Wildlife Day 2024
March 3rd is World Wildlife Day, a dedicated time to celebrate the animals and plants that call Earth home and the contributions they make to the planet. It’s important to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and range of life in the world around us. Biodiversity is what keeps our ecosystems functioning and the…
Read MoreWhy Wetlands (And Their Inhabitants) Are Important
In the safety of marsh grass, a frog croaks in the dead of night. An alligator’s all-seeing eyes sit still above the murky water while the rest of his body is submerged below. Deer are grazing not far off on firmer soil and a lonely owl hangs among the cypress trees. In a small corner…
Read MoreThe Impact of Floridian Development on the White Ibis
The white ibis is one of the most abundant wading birds in Florida. If you’re from the South, there’s a chance you’ve seen a flock of white ibises at a local park or even in your backyard. They’re charming with their unique red beaks and white body. However, white ibises have increasingly relied on humans…
Read MoreToxoplasmosis Transmitted to Beluga Whales
You’ve probably heard of toxoplasmosis before. It’s a common parasitic disease in cat feces. Toxoplasmosis can lead to lethargy, liver damage, and other forms of sickness. It’s why pregnant women are told to avoid cleaning litter boxes. However, toxoplasmosis has been transmitted to beluga whales–how did we get here? Toxoplasmosis in beluga whales To understand…
Read MoreGlobal Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Somewhere right now, a wildlife pathologist is working tirelessly in a lab investigating animal diseases. Across the sea, there are veterinarians in Africa saving and protecting species we have all known to love. And, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, biologists sampling and tracking aquatic life to learn more about the creatures that fascinate…
Read MoreCollaboration is Key to the Wildlife Conservation Puzzle
In the cold northern seas, beluga whales are facing a unique threat. Toxoplasmosis, a parasite transmitted by feline species, has made itself prevalent in the St. Lawrence Estuary. Along the shores, this has led to stranded and deceased whales of a once peaceful population. Collaboration is integral to wildlife conservation. One person, or even one…
Read MoreHow Do Zoos Help Animals?
There are very few places where you can safely experience the diversity of wildlife, learn about the world around you, or help animals threatened with extinction. The only place where you can do all three is at a zoo. The path for zoos to become the amazing institutions they are known as today has been…
Read MoreAAZV Conference & Wild Animal Health
By Sydney Kirk, PR and Fundraising Associate, on October 12, 2023 Last month I was a foot away from a clouded leopard and met the most brilliant minds I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. The Wild Animal Health Fund is a program of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, AAZV for short.…
Read MoreAAZV 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 More2021-2022 Grant Recepients
Read a press release announcing our 2021-2022 grant recipients! These projects will further our knowledge of wild animals in need. The AVMA is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession. Representing more than 105,000 members, they protect, promote, and advance the needs of all veterinarians and those they serve.
Read More