110 HRES 509 IH: Supporting the goals and ideals of National U.S. House of Representatives 2007-06-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 509 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 21, 2007 Mrs. Davis of California (for herself, Mrs. Boyda of Kansas, Ms. Carson, Mr. Bachus, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Brown of South Carolina, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Clay, Mr. Coble, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Filner, Mr. Gingrey, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Maloney of New York, Mr. Meeks of New York, Ms. Norton, Mr. Serrano, and Mr. Snyder) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Zoo Keeper Week, and for other purposes.

Whereas July 15 through July 21, 2007, marks the first National Zoo Keeper Week; Whereas throughout the world animal populations are declining at an alarming rate with many facing extinction; Whereas zoological institutions have become the final hope for many endangered species recovery programs through conservation research, release programs, and by being a portal through which the general public can view and appreciate disappearing wildlife; Whereas zoological institutions are population managers of keystone and cornerstone species, emphasizing the restoration of not just endangered species, but also the delicate balance of nature; Whereas zoo keepers are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival and preservation of the natural homelands of the animals they care for through public awareness, education, and exhibition; Whereas zoo keepers work closely with zoo managers on conservation research projects, which provide zoos with important information to help preserve rare and endangered species and learn more about species which may become threatened in the future; Whereas zoo keepers have become animal caretakers devoting their lives to caring for these animals; Whereas zoo keepers have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife, carrying the conservation message of habitat loss, endangered species, and preservation of nature’s threatened wildlands to the public; Whereas zoo keepers have committed their lives to ongoing professional development and training in becoming animal specialists, educators, choreographers of animal behaviors through enrichment, behavior managers through operant conditioning, and reproductive specialists through improved observations and husbandry; and Whereas to help increase public awareness about the need to preserve precious habitats and the animals which inhabit them and to recognize the invaluable roles that zoo keepers play in animal conservation and education: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Zoo Keeper Week; (2)recognizes the valuable contribution zoo keepers make to the care and conservation of captive exotic animals as well as their important contributions to research, public education, and recreation; (3)expresses a renewed dedication to the appreciation and preservation of animal wildlife and nature and an invigorated effort to foster deserving conservation projects and increase awareness on the need for the preservation of natural resources and animal life; and (4)encourages individuals to engage in programs, activities, and ceremonies during National Zoo Keeper Week which encourage species conservation and public awareness of the important role of zoos in wildlife conservation.