World Wildlife Day 2024

A group of rockhopper penguins on a rocky shore. Above the text reads, "World Wildlife Day 2024; Connecting People and Planet."

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…

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The Impact of Floridian Development on the White Ibis

A white ibis perches on a tree overlooking a waterway.

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…

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Toxoplasmosis 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…

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Collaboration 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…

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AAZV Conference & Wild Animal Health

A stone pathway with "Nashville Zoo AAZV" projected onto it for the AAZV Conference's Zoo Day, celebrating wild animal health and raising awareness on how to help animals around the globe.

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.…

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Entrapped Bolivian River Dolphins

three endangered bolivian river dolphins swimming together

With the support of the Wild Animal Health Fund, two zoo and wildlife veterinarians were called to assist in a major conservation situation in the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia. Landscapes in this area are rapidly changing due to farming and forest fires. Rivers tend to erode bringing silt to the rivers, carrying pesticides, heavy…

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National Zoo Awareness Day 

A woman in field gear crouched down examining a creature in her hand. She is a great example of someone who has a career working with wildlife.

Zoos are often at the heart of wild animal conservation. They are a safe haven for endangered animals and are an educational experience for all ages. No matter what species you are, the zoo is a great place to be!  August 31st is National Zoo Awareness Day. On this day, animal lovers come together to…

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International Bat Night

When you’re out at night you might notice some small creatures swooping and flying in the sky. These aren’t birds–they’re bats!  Bats are small winged mammals, but some species can be rather large. For example, the flying fox, native to Australia, has a five-foot wingspan. These animals have adapted to live in deserts, mountain ranges,…

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International Tiger Day

A tiger laying down on the forest floor.

Why do tigers have stripes? They don’t want to be spotted! It’s International Tiger Day! These elusive big cats are a favorite among animal lovers. Their beauty and fierce personality have captivated people for decades. Tiger populations around the globe have led them to become well-known symbols of passion, strength, and power. Nevertheless, their numbers…

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World 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…

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