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At
the workshop the experts
will analyze the
conservation needs of six
species including the
jaguar.
/ Simón Bolívar Zoo
courtesy
photo.
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Costa Rican
Zoo will hold Workshop
of Mesoamerican Wild Cats
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By the
A.M. Costa Rica staff
About 40 experts on Mesoamerican
wild cats will meet this week in
Costa Rica to study the
conservation status of the six
species that inhabit the region
as well as propose programs and
management recommendations.
The Regional Evaluation and
Planning Workshop for
Mesoamerican Wild Cats will be
held at the Simón Bolívar
National Zoological Park*
with the participation of
environmental groups such as the
Pro Zoological Foundation, the
Conservation Planning Specialist
Group, the Survival Committee of
Species, International Union for
the Conservation of Nature,
Mesoamerican and Caribbean
Association of Zoos and Panthera
organization.
At the workshop the experts will
analyze the conservation needs
of six species including the
jaguar, and puma, among others,
generating a series of
recommendations for the zoos,
because zoos play an important
role in the conservation of
these species.
The methodology is known as Ex
Situ and is based on obtaining
data about the state of the
animals in the wild and in
captivity. The conservation
functions are then reviewed and
plans are proposed that can be
developed by zoos.
Ex Situ management technique
analyzes the animal environment
within or outside the
geographical range of the
species, in a controlled or
modified environment over a
period of time, for conservation
purposes.
Thanks to ex situ management
techniques, it is possible to
support the conservation of
species and prevent extinction,
since it can help to counteract
the impacts of primary threats
on populations, as well as the
study of their causes.
"Zoos have experience, knowledge
and expert personnel for
conservation, and among their
functions is to raise awareness
in general and generate
environmental education," said
the specialists of the Zoo in
their statement.
This workshop is carried out
through the agreement of
Fundazoo with the support of
company Volcafe. Its brand "Café
Jaguar" gives $1 per every 100
pounds of coffee sold to the
zoo.
The Simon Bolivar Zoo, commonly
known as Bolivar Park*
is also a great botanical garden
and is located in the Amón
Neighborhood (known as Barrio
Amón).
According to the Tourism
Institute, zoo origin dates back
to 1884 when the engineer,
geologist, and botanist Henri
Pittier created the Plant and
Animal Garden. However, it was
not until 1921 that it was
opened by the name that still
maintains today.
The Simón Bolívar Zoo last week
received the "Humane Certified
TM" certification of the
"American Humane Conservation"
program.
The American Humane Conservation
Program of U.S. is the first
certification program dedicated
exclusively to verifying the
humane treatment of animals that
are exhibited or live in habit
zoos, aquariums and conservation
centers around the world. The
program applies rigorous
criteria based on comprehensive
evidence of animal welfare and
was developed by a committee of
scientific advisors that
includes world-renowned leaders
in the fields of animal science,
behavior, ethics, and
conservation.
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Have you visited Simon Bolivar
Zoo? We would like to
know your thoughts on this
story. Send your
comments to: news@amcostarica.com
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