Page 23 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

AGOUTI “Not only are scientists
still finding new species,
criteria for the collection plan include baseline factors like climate as an obvious but also revealing the
example,” explains Director of Animal Programs Liz Harmon. “So we won’t be secret lives of animals
bringing in polar bears.” But it is an ideal environment for many tropical animals that science has known
like the critically endangered cotton-top tamarins. These small monkeys sport a ”about for centuries.
shock of white hair worthy of any punk rocker and have the teenager-like habit of –Naples Zoo President and CEO Jack Mulvena
sleeping in. Far from lazy, it’s actually a strategy to avoid predators that are active MALAYAN TIGER
around sunrise.
PARMA WALLABY
Other issues include the conservation status of a species in the wild. Harmon
continues, “So the tigers you see here are not just any cats, but purebred Malayan
tigers that were only identified as a distinct subspecies in 2004.Their wild population
has been nearly cut in half recently and is only estimated between 250 and 340
individuals.Thus it’s critical to have these endangered species in protective custody.”
For perspective, the Indonesian government tried to save the Javan tiger in the wild
without a secure population in zoos. Putting all the eggs in that basket proved tragic
when the last Javan tiger on the planet died during the last part of the twentieth
century. Harmon shares, “Concerted efforts through the Species Survival Plan® for
Malayan tigers are insuring a brighter future for these majestic cats.”

For other species, the importance for education is paramount.Thus, Zoo visitors
can learn how to best live with the more than one million alligators we share the
state with as well as the growing number of black bears making their way into more
and more neighborhoods. And through the lecture series, we can bring rare species
to light like South America’s Giant Armadillo that are not in any zoo.

The foundation for this diverse array of animals that call our garden their home as
well as the conservation projects we support in the wild is our national accreditation
by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Less than one in ten of the
federally licensed wildlife exhibitors have met these strict standards. Because of
this, Naples Zoo is entrusted with the care of some of the planet’s rarest creatures.

Far from the simple menageries of past, today’s accredited zoos are centers of
learning and natural crossroads for biologists, educators, environmental scientists,
and researchers - as well as for students, conservationists, and all animal lovers. Your
visit, membership, or donation allows us to continue sharing these wonders and
promoting that appreciation for nature to realize that better future for people and
wildlife we all hope to see.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a trusted, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving wildlife and
families here and around the world. Collier County designated it an official Historic Site and the garden
is accredited by The Morton Register of Arboreta. Naples Zoo also earned national accreditation by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sets the world’s highest standards for wildlife care. More
information at www.napleszoo.org.