IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1625 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 15, 2010 Mr. Hastings of Florida (for himself, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. Bachus, Mr. Posey, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Cao, Mrs. Davis of California, and Mr. Deutch) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources RESOLUTION Recognizing the important role zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife organizations have played in the response efforts in the Gulf region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that began on April 20, 2010.

Whereas zoos and aquariums’ expertise of animals has proved invaluable to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill clean-up effort; Whereas many zoos and aquariums already have established animal rescue and rehabilitation programs that have mobilized personnel and made use of existing infrastructure for response efforts in the Gulf of Mexico region affected by the oil spill; Whereas these institutions already have in place the resources needed to address short-term and long-term impacts of the oil spill on animals and habitats in the Gulf of Mexico region; Whereas Federal agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, have identified zoos and aquariums as important partners in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of the wildlife impacted by the oil spill; Whereas the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization that since its founding in 1924 has been dedicated to advancing the work of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation; Whereas 210 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are found in 46 States, where they enhance the local economies, support more than 126,000 jobs, and attract 180 million visitors annually; Whereas AZA-accredited institutions are dedicated to training teachers and supporting science education; Whereas the AZA Species Survival Plan program asserts the dedication of these institutions to protecting endangered species; Whereas AZA-accredited institutions provide an opportunity for the public to engage in conservation efforts, with more than 60,000 people investing 3,000,000 hours volunteering at zoos and aquariums annually; Whereas 70 AZA-accredited institutions have contributed to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico; and Whereas 11 AZA-accredited aquariums are part of the national Marine Mammal Stranding Network, assisting with rescue and rehabilitation efforts of animals affected by the oil spill: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)commends the response of zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife organizations in their rescue and rehabilitation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; (2)acknowledges the important role of zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife organizations in responding to environmental disasters; and (3)expresses support for the expertise and contributions of zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife organizations to conservation programs, science education, and community development.