Partnership to Fight Wildlife Trafficking

February 28, 2018 - The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recently announced a new partnership with the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance to fight wildlife crime. 

“Wildlife trafficking is a global epidemic, and is driving some of the world’s most beloved animals to the brink of extinction,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA. “AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are world leaders in saving animals from extinction, and this strategic alignment with travel, media, and consumer products business leaders, as well as conservation NGOs, will create and sustain powerful momentum.”

The ABQ BioPark is proud to be a member of AZA, the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries.

The ABQ BioPark houses many animals susceptible to the illegal wildlife trade including rhinos, sea turtles, cheetahs, leopards, tropical birds and reptiles. The Zoo also participates in a variety of Species Survival Plans to help breed the world's most endangered species. Learn more about the ABQ BioPark's conservation initiatives.

“Like many other AZA-accredited institutions, the ABQ BioPark is working on a variety of conservation initiatives locally and worldwide to help imperiled species,” said Lynn Tupa, ABQ BioPark Zoo manager. “We support this latest initiative by AZA and believe it is another positive step by the Zoo community to help save endangered species.”

Read the full press release from the AZA here.