Page 23 - March-2015-Life-in-Naples-Magazine

A BREEDING PROGRAM
WITH ALL MALES?

Finally, the animals arrive, clear quarantine, and
Naples Zoo announces it’s new breeding program –
with three male gazelles. “That’s the point where people
usually look at you funny,” explains Harmon. As a way
of explaining her three decades of wildlife experience do
include basic biology, Harmon shares the bigger picture,
“In the wild, one male gazelle typically has a harem of
females while bachelor groups wait for their opportunity
nearby. By working together, zoos are able to replicate
that social order with some zoos having breeding herds
while others care for the bachelor groups.” And when
their genetics are needed to diversify the population,
those bachelors get to walk down the aisle.

“That’s often a bittersweet time for keepers,” explains
Naples Zoo’s President and CEO Jack Mulvena.
“Keepers in accredited zoos get college degrees and
are responsible for detailed daily records. They also do
hard physical work in all weather and on weekends and
holidays. And that’s all part of the big picture of wildlife
conservation. So a breeding recommendation is exciting

– but it can also mean saying
goodbye to an animal you’ve
spent years caring for.”

And even though they
don’t share that same bond,
volunteers and zoo guests
often miss a beloved animal
that moves away. But those
are times that bring to
focus what accredited zoos
are doing and that these
precious creatures are far
from adored pets. In a world
where wild areas vanish by
the second and poachers
still pull triggers, they are
the assurance that our great
grandchildren won’t just
watch old video files about
tigers and giraffes. And they
are the inspiration for saving
a world where a living lion’s
roar can still make us catch
our breath.

Far from the simple menageries of past, today’s nationally
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. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a
trusted, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving wildlife and
families here and around the world. More information at
www.napleszoo.org.