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…

Read More

Why Wetlands (And Their Inhabitants) Are Important

A turtle sits on a partially submerged log in a wetland.

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 More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

Careers Working With Wildlife

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.

Don’t put yourself in a box—there are dozens of career options to explore that help zoos and wild animals. A career working with wildlife is a rewarding job. You can see how your actions directly influence the lives of animals around the globe. Each one of the occupations listed below involves being an animal advocate…

Read More

Global 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 More

World 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 More

What is wildlife conservation?

Wildlife Conservation is the practice of protecting and preserving wildlife and their natural habitats to maintain healthy populations and prevent extinction.   Why is this important? We are all connected. Everything has its purpose in the animal kingdom, and losing one species jeopardizes other species (including humans!) Without the plants and wildlife, the food chain will…

Read More

Why should you not feed wildlife?

please do not feed the animals signage

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 More