It’s National Zoo and Aquarium Month! Celebrated annually in June, Zoo and Aquarium month honors the role that zoos and aquariums play in the conservation and research of animal and fish species. National Zoo and Aquarium Month also promotes and encourages people to visit zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums provide the opportunity for individuals to learn about animals and marine life. Many of them also offer different kinds of interactive educational programs to make learning more fun.
History of National Zoo and Aquarium Month
The first zoo in America was the Philadelphia Zoo that opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. It is still one of the most important facilities for endangered animals and their breeding. The New York Zoological Society itself was established in 1895. There was a time when three popular zoos, namely Prospect Park, Central Park, and Queens zoo, were operated by the Parks Department. But in the 1980s, after capital restorations were undertaken, the Wildlife Conservation Society took up management. It was in 1993 that the name ‘Wildlife Conservation Center’ came into being, to better represent the goals of the institution.
A major change came in the 1930s when local zoos started receiving financial aid via various federal relief programs. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) and other such agencies contributed a lot towards the renovation, construction, and expansion of zoos, especially during the time of the Great Depression when local budgets were drastically reduced.
In the 1960s, the operation of the zoos shifted to a public-private partnership due to two reasons: first, the early zoos of the 1930s became outdated and appeared primitive and, second, park administrators had to move scarce resources to meet the basic needs of a more expanded zoo system. With time, even the zoo-going public adjusted to the fact that the zoo was more than just there for them to gawk at animals — it was about conservation and creating a learning experience.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan finally dedicated the month of June to zoos and aquariums as a way to showcase their importance in the conservation of animals and marine life.
Five Fun Facts about Zoos & Aquariums (courtesy nationaltoday.com):
1. Zoo crowd
175 million people visit zoos and aquariums in America annually and the San Diego Zoo leads the way with 3,200,000 yearly visitors.
2. Many zoos
The United States of America boasts a total of 355 zoos in total.
3. Oldest surviving American zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest operating zoo — it has been going since July 1, 1874.
4. Largest American zoo
The Red McCombs Wildlife establishment is the largest zoo in America, which boasts 5,000 hectares of land.
5. The largest aquarium in America
The largest aquarium in America is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, which has more than 10 million gallons of water and more aquatic life than any other U.S. aquarium.
How To Observe National Zoo and Aquarium Month
1. Find out about your local wildlife park
Learn about the conservation practices at your local wildlife park(s). If there are any endangered species, find out more about them.
2. Look up rehabilitation programs
Check out the rehabilitation programs in your area and find out how vets and zoologists help injured animals and fish return to their homes in the jungle or ocean.
3. Donate for your favorite creature
Many animal welfare programs offer ways to help support wildlife. Some even allow you to donate for your favorite animal or fish, especially the endangered ones.
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Photo Credit: Kate Iniakina / Shutterstock.com