The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Formed by individuals and institutions, IEF is dedicated to the conservation of African and Asian elephants worldwide.
76-429: In 1998, Executive Director of Fort Worth Zoo Michael Fouraker envisioned an elephant foundation to provide funds and expertise to elephant related projects. Michael was a board member of International Rhino Foundation (IRF), and used the organizational structure and business plan of IRF as a template for multiple elephant holding facilities with diverse missions to come together for a shared common goal of contributing to
152-629: A Lion Conservation Unit since 2005 together with Maasai Mara National Reserve . More than 3,000 lions live in this ecosystem. The population density of the African leopard is estimated at 5.41 individuals per 100 km (14.0 per 100 sq miles) in the dry season. African bush elephant herds recovered from a population low in the 1980s caused by poaching , and numbered over 5,000 individuals by 2014. The African buffalo population declined between 1976 and 1996 due to poaching, but increased to 28,524 individuals by 2008. The Eastern black rhinoceros population
228-432: A display of giant snakes with curved non-reflective glass (creating the illusion of an open-fronted exhibit) were especially popular attractions. The main public area included five exhibit halls covering various geographic regions and another area that was devoted exclusively to amphibians. There were also special exhibits teaching the identification of native venomous snakes and treatment for snakebite . In October 1991,
304-687: A few rabbits . From its opening until 1991, the zoo was owned and operated by the City of Fort Worth. Although the city collected money from the community to purchase new animals, the Zoological society (now the Fort Worth Zoological Association) was formed in 1939 to help raise additional funds. Monkey Island was built in 1937 with funds from the Works Progress Administration . After being refurbished in 1949, this exhibit became
380-438: A lawsuit brought by animal rights organizations against Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus (whose Vice President for Government Relations Tom Albert is a Past President of IEF) was dismissed in federal court with presiding Judge Sullivan saying Tom Rider, the key witness for the animal rights organizations, was "essentially a paid plaintiff." Feld Entertainment, Ringling's parent company, has since filed suit against
456-543: A national park in 1940. It was granted strict protection in 1948 when the Serengeti National Park Board of Trustees was formed to administer the national park. The government restricted the movements of the resident Maasai people, and the park boundaries were finalized in 1951. In 1959, an area of 8,300 km (3,200 sq mi) was split off in the eastern part of the national park and re-established as Ngorongoro Conservation Area intended to accommodate
532-414: A new veterinary center in 1998, and Thundering Plains (now closed) in 1999. The first decade of the new millennium saw the opening of Texas Wild! in 2001 to showcase native Texas animals, Parrot Paradise in 2004, Great Barrier Reef in 2005 as part of a renovated Australian Outback exhibit, and the penguin exhibit in 2008. This decade also saw the closing of the original Herpetarium in 2009 to be replaced by
608-549: A number of conservation projects every year both in Africa and Asia. Below are examples of projects that have been or are being funded. The Ziama Biosphere Reserve is the largest classified forest in Guinea and is the home to the only viable forest elephant population in the Republic of Guinea, with approximately 200 individuals who play a vital role in the biodiversity and habitat health of
684-562: A relocation of the Sumatran orangutans , jaguars , and the bongo . The planned opening date for the Forests & Jungles section is spring of 2025. Current zoo exhibits include Penguins, World of Primates, the brand new Predators of Asia and Africa, Raptor Canyon, Flamingo Bay, Elephant Springs, Australian Outback, African Savanna, Texas Wild! and the Museum of Living Art (MOLA). This indoor exhibit
760-445: A sea lion pool, and by 1970, it had been converted to house small South American mammals. Storks and cranes were housed in this exhibit in the 1980s, and it was converted once again in the early 1990s to house alligators, it last converted in 2004 to house Parrots. It is currently being used to house Flamingos. The Herpetarium was completed in the summer of 1960 and was an indoor exhibit measuring 117 by 55 feet (17 m). Boasting
836-759: Is a collection of Australian aquatic animals in three tanks containing more than 10,000 US gallons (38,000 L; 8,300 imp gal) of water. The exhibit includes 500 animals representing 86 species, including clownfish , angelfish , brain corals , stingrays and sea apples . Opened in 2018, the African Savanna allows guests to see reticulated giraffes , lesser kudu , springbok , ostriches , southern ground hornbills , Cape vulture , pink-backed pelicans , and helmeted guineafowl from multiple viewing spots, including an elevated boardwalk that allows giraffe feeding. There are also several paddocks for southern black rhinos , an above and underwater viewing area of
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#1732858598633912-419: Is a major challenge for communities living around Kaziranga National Park, with crop losses causing considerable financial hardship, safety concerns, and even death. To mitigate this conflict and improve crop yields tongis, or lookout points, are built in additional villages to allow farmers to monitor crops safely and avoid confrontation. Interactive community meetings give a conservation educational component to
988-469: Is a problem in many villages in Assam. In addition to food crops, forests are being logged for their timber, fuel or cleared to make space for cash crop plantations such as rubber. As elephant habitat diminishes, elephants leave the forest and enter human communities in search of food. This project, proposed by affected villagers, will revive the degraded habitat of wild elephants by planting elephant food plants in
1064-638: Is an approximation of the word siringet used by the Maasai people for the area, which means "the place where the land runs on forever". In 1930, an area of 2,286 km (883 sq mi) was designated as a game reserve in southern and eastern Serengeti. In the 1930s, the government of Tanganyika established a system of national parks compliant with the Convention Relative to the Preservation of Fauna and Flora in their Natural State . The area became
1140-547: Is forbidden in the park except for the Tanzania National Parks Authority staff, researchers and staff of the various lodges, campsites, and hotels. The main settlement is Seronera with its primary Seronera airstrip . The park is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site . It is designated as a Category II protected area under
1216-446: Is home to a colony of African penguins and an indoor enclosure for southern rockhopper penguins and common eider , both include a beach and an underwater viewing area. Opened in 1992, World of Primates is a 2.5-acre (1.0 ha) exhibit that includes both indoor and outdoor habitats. The atrium is a tropical rainforest that has since been turned into an aviary, in which visitors can observe several different bird species from around
1292-558: Is home to two of the four species of flamingos at the zoo. The exhibit includes two species of flamingo, the American flamingos and Chilean flamingos with both, as well the zoo's greater and lesser flamingos, being successfully bred. This exhibit has been renovated and now includes the Great Barrier Reef exhibit in addition to being home to the zoo's galah , red kangaroos & Australian brushturkey The Great Barrier Reef exhibit
1368-596: Is the world's second longest overland migration. The complete migration route is around 800 km (500 mi). South of this migration route covers the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where around half a million wildebeest are born between January and March. By March, at the beginning of the dry season, roughly 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras start to migrate north towards Maasai Mara in Kenya. Common eland , plains zebra , and Thomson's gazelle join
1444-662: Is then shared with Kenya Wildlife Services and Save The Elephants for research and elephant management and protection. Support for the popular " Sponsor An Elephant" Program goes to support the Big Tuskers, Iconic Cows, and Emerging Tuskers protected by this project. The Tsavo ecosystem consisting of the Tsavo East and West and Chyulu Hills National Parks, South Kitui National Reserve, Taita and Galana Ranches (Kenya) and Mukomazi National Park (Tanzania) has about 12,573 elephants and has suffered from poaching. This project will increase
1520-659: Is to identify viral immediate-early genes, latency genes and immune evasion genes that will provide insights into the mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, and will also help for generating engineered attenuated vaccine strains or new targets and approaches for better antiviral drugs. EEHV is the single largest cause of death for juvenile Asian elephants in North America and Europe. Furthermore, EEHV-associated deaths have been documented in wild elephants in their natural range countries in both Africa and Asia, adding yet another threat to these endangered species. With IEF support among others,
1596-754: The Anegada rock iguana , Panamanian golden frog , Louisiana pine snake , Texas kangaroo rat , and many more species. The Fort Worth Zoo is partnered with multiple other conservation groups, such as the International Elephant Foundation , the International Rhino Foundation , the Turtle Survival Alliance , and multiple other conservation groups doing work in over 30 countries. The zoo features an unusual Texas sized sculpture. A furious 40-foot iguana sculpture named Iggy ,
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#17328585986331672-702: The Animal Protection Institute ), the Wildlife Advocacy Project, the law firm of Meyer, Glitzenstein & Crystal, and several current and former attorneys of that firm. Fort Worth Zoo The Fort Worth Zoo is a zoo in Fort Worth, Texas , United States, and is home to 7,000 native and exotic animals. It has been named as a top zoo in the nation by Family Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today , as well as one of
1748-688: The Ling laboratory in Houston, Texas has spent the last several years developing the tools needed to discover what parts of the EEHV virus might be useful for developing a vaccine that can induce protective immunity for Asian elephants with the possibility of adapting it for use in African elephants as well. On April 18–20, 2017, government representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam met at
1824-520: The Mau Forest region has changed the hydrology of the Mara River. There are invasive species of plants such as Siam weed , Prickly pear , Feverfew and Mexican sunflower . A study in 1996 estimated that the human population of the western side of the park is growing by four percent yearly. Livestock use is also growing which increased the amount of land turned over to farming and ranching. A study by
1900-638: The Museum of Living Art in 2010. In the autumn of 2016, the zoo announced its $ 100-million capital campaign: A Wilder Vision, which will include new exhibit space, renovated habitats, special events space, multiple dining areas, restrooms and most importantly, new ways to observe, interact with and learn about animals. The first step in this plan, a renovated African Savanna, opened in April 2018. The second step in this plan, an expanded elephant exhibit, opened in April 2021. The other upcoming projects are renovated exhibits for
1976-552: The Neoproterozoic Mozambique Belt consisting of quartzite and granite, and the Neoproterozoic Ikorongo Group, consisting of sandstone , shale and siltstone that form linear ridges. The southeast portion of the park contains Neogene -aged volcanic rock and Oldoinyo Lengai Holocene -aged volcanic ash . The Grumeti, Mara, Mbalageti, and Orangi rivers flow westward to Lake Victoria , while
2052-735: The Serengeti National Park . This project addresses the root causes of the conflict - poverty and lack of conservation education - through village meetings about conservation and habitat utilization, strategies for repelling the elephants from the village crops, and the acquisition of a grain grinding machine. In response to a surge in wildlife crime and trafficking from 2014-2016, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Conservation Lower Zambezi established specialized K9 Unit and Rapid Response Units to help in law enforcement. The four man three dog unit moves between trafficking hotspots in
2128-408: The bald eagle . The Mountains and Desert area of Texas Wild! is currently under construction, being remodeled into a new area focused on education and conservation. The Museum of Living Art is a $ 19 million, 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m ) herpetarium built to replace the original herpetarium at the zoo. The facility houses more than 5,000 animals representing more than 100 species from across
2204-471: The hippopotamus , a greater flamingo pond, the zoo's meerkat mob, and an aviary of several different species of African birds. Texas Wild! was opened in 2001 to display various animals native to Texas. This section includes a carousel with hand-painted ponies. Texas Town includes a play barn and the Texas Hall of Wonders, and prepares visitors for the rest of the exhibit. High Plains and Prairies represents
2280-592: The natrocarbonatite lava produced by the volcanoes . The park covers 14,750 km (5,700 sq mi) of grassland plains, savanna , riverine forest , and woodlands. The park lies in northwestern Tanzania, bordered to the north by the Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the southeast of the park is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to
2356-683: The Asian Range States Meeting (AERSM) in Jakarta Indonesia. These countries represent the 13 countries who still have extant populations of wild Asian elephants. This meeting was only the second time that all Asian countries with extant populations of wild Asian elephants have met with the first such meeting in 2006 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The purpose of the AERSM was to improve international collaboration and cooperation in order to protect
International Elephant Foundation - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-493: The Fort Worth Zoological Association assumed management of the zoo under a contract with the city. In 1992, the zoo opened the first two of a series of exhibits: World of Primates and Asian Falls. During the rest of the decade, the zoo opened Raptor Canyon, Asian Rhino Ridge, an education center in 1993, a cheetah exhibit in 1994, Flamingo Bay, a Komodo dragon exhibit, Insect City in 1995, Meerkat Mounds in 1997,
2508-845: The IEF is to support and operate elephant conservation and education programs both in managed facilities and in the wild, with an emphasis on management, protection and scientific research. The organization is recognized by, among others, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Morris Animal Foundation and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a bona fide conservation organization. Since 1999, IEF has provided support to over 200 elephant conservation projects worldwide and over $ 8 million in direct financial assistance. The International Elephant Foundation provides funding for
2584-516: The Laikipia-Isiolo-Samburu ecosystem (with the second largest population of elephants in Kenya) is the primary conservation need addressed by this project. The increased effectiveness of the joint anti-poaching team supported by this project has led to significant declines in elephant poaching throughout NRT and reversed the trend which had been steadily increasing throughout 2012. The presence of
2660-732: The Oldupai River flows eastward into the Olbalbal Swamps. In the eastern portion of the park lie the Serengeti volcanic grasslands which are a Tropical Grassland Ecozone. The grasslands grow on deposits of volcanic ash from the Kerimasi Volcano, which erupted 150,000 years ago, and also from the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcanic eruptions, which created layers of calcareous tuff and calcitic hard-pan soil ( vertisols ) from rapid weathering of
2736-464: The Panhandle and Northwestern Texas. It is home to swift foxes , greater roadrunners , burrowing owls , and black-tailed prairie dog , white-tailed deer , and wild turkey . Pineywoods and Swamps represents East Texas. This section of the exhibit includes red wolves , North American river otters , American alligators , and American black bears . Gulf Coast is home to Southern Texas animals including
2812-406: The aquatic animals and waterfowl of the delta marsh, and includes an aviary that is home to birds including the roseate spoonbill and American white pelicans and brown pelicans . Brush Country represents Southern Texas. This section includes bobcats , cougars , coyotes , jaguars , ocelots , ring-tailed cats , and white-nosed coati , as well as several native species of birds of prey such as
2888-488: The areas of the National Reserve between Meru and Sirimon which have become subject to indiscriminate habitat and wildlife destruction within the high altitude zone of Mount Kenya. This project provides enforcement personnel on horseback to decrease the levels of elephant and bushmeat poaching, monitor wildlife, increase awareness and conservation education within the communities living in and around Mount Kenya, and improve
2964-405: The areas surrounding the national park. Trained for both tracking and detection of illegal wildlife products including ivory, bushmeat, pangolin, rhino horn, rifles, ammunition and various pelts; the dogs have been conducting vehicle searches with their handlers at various checkpoints. This unit contributes to the goal of strangling channels of movement for illegal wildlife products. IEF is supporting
3040-427: The biodiversity of Texas. Money from this fund has gone towards multiple projects such as training search dogs to locate Houston toads , genetic assessments for ornate box turtle populations, and development for conservation strategies for alligator snapping turtles . The zoo and their conservation biologists also host and are a part of many conservation projects, such as projects seeking to increase populations for
3116-598: The collection of animal rights organizations under federal racketeering and conspiracy (RICO) statutes. In December 2012 the ASPCA settled their part of the RICO lawsuit out of court, agreeing to pay Feld Entertainment $ 9.3 Million. In May 2014 the remaining animal rights groups being pursued for RICO violations agreed to settle out of court and pay Feld Entertainment $ 15.7 Million. These groups included HSUS , Fund for Animals , Animal Welfare Institute, Born Free Foundation USA (formerly
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3192-535: The development of a comprehensive Asian elephant national action plan for Cambodia. The long-term is to develop a monitoring program for Asian elephants in the southern Cardamom Mountains . Human- elephant conflict is a growing problem in Sri Lanka as elephants are forced to leave the forest looking for food and water. These conflicts lead to human and elephant deaths and damage to crops and property. The Schools Awareness Program has presented curriculum at 1,500 schools in
3268-661: The elephants, visitors can go past the entrance and either go to the River Village or check out a viewing area that gives a better view of the Indian rhinoceros with a path leading to the Predators of Asia and Africa section. The exhibit also features a Demonstration Area for an elephant encounter show. This new exhibit was opened on June 22, 2023. It includes huge yards for returning carnivores like lions , cheetahs , African wild dogs , and new addition of African leopards . The half that
3344-659: The endangered species. These nations committed to implementing a "strategic Action Plan for Asian elephants" and codified that vision in “The Jakarta Declaration for Asian Elephant Conservation.” Hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia, the AERSM was also facilitated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG). The International Elephant Foundation facilitated this meeting and as well as provided support. Funding
3420-545: The existing elephant habitat, and planting natural barriers of thorny plants - Assam lemon and thorny bamboo - between the forest and fields to protect the cultivated areas. Habitat loss and degradation is a significant issue for Asian elephant in Cambodia and there has been few targeted conservation efforts. The short-term goals of this project are to collect critical information to enable a monitoring program to be established, to improve human-Asian elephant coexistence and to inform
3496-457: The expansion of this unit with additional detection dogs, new equipment for dogs and handlers, new kennel, and refresher training for the current unit. IEF support in Sumatra started in the year 2000 when they provided information and veterinary training and supplies with the staff of the elephant training centers on elephant husbandry and health care in an effort to make long-term positive changes in
3572-485: The forest to guard this key population of elephants while placing satellite collars on two forest elephants from two established herds is allowing researchers to track the animals’ movements and provide information to establish an early warning system for farmers which will help mitigate human-elephant conflict. The horses and their riders of Mount Kenya Trust are working with the Kenya Wildlife Service to secure
3648-1080: The gallery forests of the Grumeti River . Reptiles include Nile crocodile , leopard tortoise , serrated hinged terrapin , rainbow agama , Nile monitor , Jackson's chameleon , African python , black mamba , black-necked spitting cobra , and puff adder . More than 500 bird species can be seen such as Masai ostrich , secretarybird , kori bustards , helmeted guineafowls , grey-breasted spurfowl , blacksmith lapwing , African collared dove , red-billed buffalo weaver , southern ground hornbill , crowned cranes , sacred ibis , cattle egrets , black herons , knob-billed ducks , saddle-billed storks , white stork , goliath herons , marabou storks , yellow-billed stork , spotted thick-knees , lesser flamingo , shoebills , abdim's stork , hamerkops , hadada ibis , african fish eagles , pink-backed pelicans , tanzanian red-billed hornbill , martial eagles , egyptian geese , lovebirds , spur-winged geese , oxpeckers , and many species of vultures. The great migration
3724-570: The important elephant habitat through forest patrol and monitoring; and 3) raises awareness among local people of the importance of conserving elephants and their habitat. The CRU/ERU model includes units in Way Kambas National Park in south Sumatra. It also include CRU/ERU teams in Tegal Yoso, Margahayu, Bungur, and Brajo Harjosari in northern Sumatra in Aceh province. Human-elephant conflict
3800-533: The joint anti-poaching team has also helped improve the civil and government security response to the theft of livestock and highway banditry as the same people are frequently in all three activities. Over fifty years ago Murchison Falls had the most elephants per square kilometer in Africa. After decades of civil war and uncontrolled poaching, a mere 500 elephants remained. Now with peace in Uganda, animal populations can rebound as long as wildlife receive protection against
3876-473: The largest exhibit of reptiles and amphibians in the world (with 175 vivaria and about 200 species), the facility also included a zoo hospital and quarantine room. Features such as refrigerated air, operational skylights, temperature controlled water, switch operated emergency alarms, and state-of-the-art service facilities, made the Herpetarium a marvel of technology for its time. Innovative exhibits such as
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#17328585986333952-405: The last 10 years and addresses the value of elephants, the causes of conflict, how to minimize the conflicts and stresses the need for conservation. This project will seek strategies for reopening elephant corridors in the northwestern wildlife region, identify the locations of existing elephant corridors and isolated elephant habitats, and identify suitable areas for development that will not block
4028-597: The lives of the captive elephants. In 2004, IEF joined with partners to establish Conservation Response Units (CRUs)/Elephant Response Units(ERUs) to provide protection for plant and animal species through elephant back patrols of wildlife areas. The CRU model utilizes captive elephants, their mahouts, and forest rangers for direct field-based conservation interventions to support the conservation of wild elephants and their habitat and achieve positive outcomes for both elephants and people. The CRU/ERU project: 1) mitigates human-elephant conflict; 2) reduces wildlife crime activities in
4104-487: The long-term preservation of elephants. In November 1998, Michael invited nine representatives from zoos, private elephant facilities, circuses and a university to Fort Worth, Texas, to discuss how a foundation could significantly enhance current conservation efforts. From this first organizational meeting the International Elephant Foundation was born. The IEF was incorporated in 1999. The mission of
4180-423: The natural migration routes and does not harm the natural food sources of the elephants. The three most common and useful techniques for studying viruses are not applicable for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). By using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing directly from clinical samples this project will study the genetic make-up of each virus and the genes and pathways they utilize. The ultimate goal
4256-715: The presence of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) security personnel through enhanced ground and aerial surveillance and enhanced intelligence information collection, identify sites that require new patrol bases and construct simple housing units at these bases. Human-elephant conflict has escalated in this region and communities have become increasingly disgruntled, which may directly relate to poaching of elephants. To develop new tools to alleviate human-elephant conflict, this project trials experimental fences that use flashing lights to deter elephants from maize crops and investigates options for new cash-crops that elephants find unpalatable. The ongoing and increasing threat of elephant poaching in
4332-440: The project. Based on IEF’s successful Sumatran elephant Conservation Response Unit project, IEF is developing a long-term relationship with Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) to assist in developing a Conservation Center and Conservation Response Units that would use out-of-work elephants for eco-education and conservation patrols. This center will also be a base for mahout training and an elephant hospital. Human-elephant conflict
4408-467: The region may have originated from a series of volcanoes, whose activity shaped the basic geographic features of the plain by adding mountains and craters to the landscape. The Mara River, which flows through Maasai Mara National Reserve from the Kenyan highlands to Lake Victoria, is the only permanently-flowing river in the Serengeti ecosystem. The park is divided into three regions: Human habitation
4484-413: The region. The forest elephant population has declined over the last several decades due to poaching and habitat degradation, forcing elephants into smaller areas and into closer contact with humans which leads to more conflict over space and resources. Game rangers and eco-guards have been better equipped with equipment and supplies so they can undertake multi-day patrols deeper into unprotected regions of
4560-456: The response times, intelligence gathering and information sharing for the benefit of all of Mount Kenya ’s wildlife. Tsavo ’s last surviving “hundred pounder” tuskers (elephant bulls bearing ivory weighing over 100 lbs. per side) are in peril as they are especially attractive to poachers.This project individually identifies and monitors the known large bull and cow elephants of Tsavo via light aircraft. Data collected during reconnaissance flights
4636-497: The shore to better stop illegal activity. In addition the rangers are being equipped with radios for communication, and geolocation cameras to document patrols to produce evidence for use in the prosecution of poachers and to manage poaching data and trends. Poaching and destroying wildlife natural habitats by setting bush fires, cutting down trees for timber, firewood and charcoal has triggered critical human-elephant conflict involving over 30,000 people living in 16 villages that border
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#17328585986334712-639: The southwest lies Maswa Game Reserve, to the west are the Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves , and to the northeast and east lies the Loliondo Game Control Area. The landscape of the Serengeti Plain is extremely varied, ranging from savannah to hilly woodlands to open grasslands. The region's geographic diversity is due to the extreme weather conditions that plague the area, particularly the potent combination of heat and wind. The diverse habitats in
4788-590: The system developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature , which means that it should be managed to protect the ecosystem or ecological processes. The administrative body for all parks in Tanzania is the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Myles Turner was one of the park's first game wardens and is credited with bringing its rampant poaching under control. Deforestation in
4864-417: The thousands of snares and leg-hold traps set annually as well as from the gangs of armed poachers. Fourteen land and water-based ranger stations have been constructed and more are being planned. The increased ranger presence is reducing poaching by patrolling park lands, policing the bushmeat and ivory trafficking trade, and removing snares and traps. Marine ranger stations allow rangers to deploy anywhere along
4940-575: The top zoos in the South by Southern Living Reader's Choice Awards. The Fort Worth Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). When the Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909, it had one African lion , two bear cubs, an alligator , a coyote , a peacock and
5016-516: The traditional land use interests of the Maasai people in a multiple land use area. In 1981, the Serengeti National Park covered 12,950 km (5,000 sq mi), which was less than half of the Serengeti . The Serengeti gained fame after Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael produced a book and documentary titled Serengeti Shall Not Die in 1959. Serengeti National Park forms
5092-451: The various African and Asian carnivores, and a new Forests & Jungles section. Species here include the clouded leopard , African wild dog , Malayan tiger , African Lion , cheetah , striped hyena , and African leopard for the African and Asian Predators section, this area opened in June of 2023. The okapi is the very first announced new species for the Forests & Jungles section, with
5168-883: The wildebeest. In April and May, the migrating herds pass through the Western Corridor. To get to the Maasai Mara, the herds have to cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where around 3,000 crocodiles lie in wait. For every wildebeest captured by the crocodiles, 50 drown. When the dry season ends in late October, the migrating herds start to head back south. Around 250,000 wildebeests and 30,000 plains zebras die annually from drowning, predation, exhaustion, thirst, or disease. The basement complex consists of Archaen Nyanzian System greenstones (2.81–2.63 Ga in age), Archaean granite - gneiss plutons (2.72–2.56 Ga in age), which were uplifted 180 Ma ago , forming koppies and elongated hills,
5244-452: The world and mantled guerezas . Once through the atrium, visitors take a winding boardwalk past other primates including the zoo's western lowland gorilla troop, Sumatran orangutans , mandrills , bonobos , and Northern white-cheeked gibbons . The all-new Elephant Springs was opened on April 15, 2021 (Originally opened in 1992 as half of the former Asian Falls) and includes a huge remodeled Asian elephant yard complex. Before getting to
5320-528: The world. Residents include a saltwater crocodile , a blue iguana , Aldabra giant tortoises , a Burmese python , pig-nosed turtles , ring-tailed lemurs , gharials , a crocodile monitor , a hellbender , and a king cobra . The zoo's Komodo dragons are located here as well. The Fort Worth Zoo administers the Arthur A. Seeligson Jr. Conservation Fund (SCF), which supports conservation of native wildlife within Texas through grants towards scientists, educators, organizations, and landowners who work to conserve
5396-1152: Was also provided by the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The European Union (Indonesia Office) and the Regain Foundation, a local Indonesian organization, provided additional support as well. The AERSM and the resulting Jakarta Declaration for Asian Elephant Conservation has been recognized by conservation organizations and authorities as a benchmark from which to guide future conservation action. The United States Department of Fish and Wildlife Asian Elephant Conservation Fund recognizes these guidelines in "Notice of Funding Opportunity and [Grant] Application Instructions". IEF has board members from all areas of elephant work and management and expertise. This includes zoo directors, veterinarians, private owners, and circuses. In recent years animal rights organizations have tried to target IEF because of their affiliation with those who manage captive elephants. Animal rights organizations have targeted IEF board members, making claims of animal mistreatment in their own businesses, but no court has accepted their claims and attempts at legal action have been dismissed. In 2011,
5472-403: Was established in 1940. The Serengeti is well known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebra along with smaller herds of Thomson's gazelle and eland . The national park is also home to the largest lion population in Africa. It is under threat from deforestation , population growth and ranching. The name "Serengeti"
5548-508: Was formerly Asian Falls still displays Sumatran tigers , striped hyenas , as well as the new addition of clouded leopards . There are also several aviaries that are home to a variety of African and Asian birds, such as the lesser flamingo , as well as a yard for red-crowned cranes . Raptor Canyon is an aviary that opened in 1993 and is home to crowned eagles , Andean condors , king vultures , harpy eagles , cinereous vultures , African fish eagles , and palm-nut vultures . Flamingo Bay
5624-517: Was lowered by helicopter onto the roof of the animal hospital in June 2010. Created by Austin artist Bob "Daddy-O" Wade , the sculpture is owned by Fort Worth oilman Lee M. Bass. Serengeti National Park The Serengeti National Park is a large national park in northern Tanzania that stretches over 14,763 km (5,700 sq mi). It is located in eastern Mara Region and northeastern Simiyu Region and contains over 1,500,000 ha (3,700,000 acres) of virgin savanna . The park
5700-479: Was reduced to about 10 individuals in the 1980s due to poaching, and fewer than 70 individuals survive in the park today. Rhinos mostly browse on grasses, woody Indigofera , Acacia and Crotalaria forbs and shrubs. Other mammal carnivores include the cheetah , about 3,500 spotted hyena , black-backed jackal , African golden wolf , honey badger , striped hyena , caracal , serval , banded mongoose , and two species of otters . The African wild dog
5776-435: Was returned to the area in 2012 after disappearing in 1991. Other mammals include hippopotamus , common warthog , aardvark , aardwolf , African wildcat , African civet , common genet , zorilla , African striped weasel , bat-eared fox , ground pangolin , crested porcupine , three species of hyraxes and Cape hare . Primates such as yellow and olive baboons , vervet monkey , and mantled guereza are also seen in
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