[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  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

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
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. Even in difficult 
economic times, zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife institutions have 
provided valuable staff and resources for rescue and rehabilitation 
efforts in the Gulf region. This resolution would give these 
organizations the praise and support they deserve for their dedication 
and selfless contributions.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. 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. Many of these institutions already have in 
place established programs for animal rescue and rehabilitation as well 
as 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.
  The unique expertise of the professionals at zoos and aquariums is 
invaluable to responding to environmental disasters like that in the 
Gulf region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Additionally, 
their contributions to conservation programs, science education, and 
community development deserve our continued support and appreciation.
  One of these valuable organizations is the Association of Zoos and 
Aquariums, AZA. Established in 1924, the AZA has been dedicated to 
advancing the work of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, 
education, science, and recreation. There are over 200 AZA-accredited 
zoos and aquariums in 46 states, where they support more than 126,000 
jobs and attract 180 million visitors annually. Of these AZA-accredited 
institutions, 70 have contributed to the rescue and rehabilitation 
efforts in the Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill 
which began on April 20, 2010.
  I am proud to have the Palm Beach Zoo, an AZA-accredited institution, 
in my district. The Palm Beach Zoo actively promotes conservation and 
education programs, including the incorporation of Species Survival 
Plans and Population Management Plans through the AZA.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the important work that 
these organizations do and for their partnership in the recovery 
efforts in the Gulf region. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution and the important contributions zoos, aquariums, and other 
wildlife organizations make in our communities.

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