When it comes to zoo conservation, no group is more respected than the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In the past five years, AZA-accredited zoos have enacted over 3,700 conservation projects totaling up to $89 million in over 100 countries. They are continuously working toward protecting endangered species with their Species Survival Plan program and genetically diverse breeding operations. The 110 SSP programs are aimed at saving more than 160 rare species. While saving the animals will undoubtedly take more than breeding, this group understands that preservation is also about habitat restoration and education too.<br /><br />In 2007, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums released an article discussing zoo conservation success stories that happened that year alone. More than 6,000 Wyoming toad tadpoles were released into the wild, bringing these neat-patterned amphibians back from the brink of extinction. Fifty-two Perdido beach mice were housed in a Florida breeding facility to protect their species following a devastating hurricane. With just 400 North Atlantic right whales left, there are now 3,693 conservation projects underway to improve their situation. The 215 black-and-white ruffed lemurs held in captivity are now being reintroduced to the wild in Madagascar.<br /><br />Anne Warner, zoo conservation manager at the Oregon Zoo, said their $6.8 million "Predators of the Serengeti animal exhibit hopes to draw more attention to the plight of the cheetah, African lion and painted dog. She explains, "Visitors have to understand why it's important to help -- why support conservation?" At the artistic, innovative exhibit, guests will come nose-to-nose with lions, a caracal, African wild dogs and rock pythons that appear as though they're lounging at a wildlife sanctuary, rather than a zoo. Careful landscaping, heated dens and waterfalls all make the animals' realm more comfortable, as visitors are invited to imagine a world without these magnificent animals.<br /><br />Beth Kaminski is a leading expert in how to <a href="http://www.anxietydisordercure.com" target='_blank'>end panic attacks</a> and has been publishing lots of information on the best <a href="http://www.anxietydisordercure.com/resources.htm" target='_blank'>anxiety disorder medication</a> for years now at anxietydisordercure.com.
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