In the wake of this month’s devastating United Nations report on extinction and the loss of biodiversity, it is worth keeping in mind the role of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in mitigating this crisis.
What the U.N. report makes clear is we do not have time to wait.
So, I know that even if you already recycle, support The Nature Conservancy, use reusable grocery bags, ride your bike to work, eat organically and plant local pollinators, it can feel like the problems we face are too vast to even begin to address individually. In fact, the U.N. report calls for “transformational change” to how humans all over the world use the Earth’s resources.
The changes needed will eventually require global cooperation and big governmental support. But they will not come from the top down but through public outcry from the bottom up. That’s how it worked in the 70s, and it can happen again.
And that’s where the zoo can be of help.
The Cincinnati Zoo is proud to be known as “The Greenest Zoo in America” due to our tremendous savings on water and energy over the last 13 years. We stand as a public display of how it is possible to thrive while saving resources.
The zoo is involved in conservation programs through our Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), working to breed dozens of critically endangered species. Dr. Terri Roth and her team play a leading role in the program to save the Sumatran rhino in its native range in Indonesia. And the zoo has long been involved around the world working to protect species like the Florida manatee, African cheetah, African lion, and lowland gorilla.
And the zoo’s greatest strength is our reach. Through our myriad programs, we are cultivating passionate advocates willing to take action for wildlife. It is vital we all spread the word that protecting nature equals protecting people. It is a myth that saving wildlife or reducing pollution is bad for business. What’s good for business is doing things smarter. That’s how we do it at the Cincinnati Zoo, where every day we make a difference for the animals and plants we love and need.
Congratulations Cincinnati Zoo you all do an amazing job and thoroughly deserved to win Best American Zoo ! We also have wonderful Zoos in Australia Sydney, of course, springs to mind but each State has their own Zoos and ours in Perth, Western Australia, although fairly small in comparison is very well known for its work especially with Orangatans. I follow and thoroughly enjoy the posts you regularly share thankyou ‼️
I read recycling isn’t working well. Recent news articles (Cleveland Plain Dealer, NYT, etc.) explain. People don’t know the difference between recycle vs. repurpose. Even when most items are clean and recyclable, a few inappropriate items wrecks recycling. I’ve heard black plastic can’t be recycled. Even glass is less usable than years ago. China and Philippines are refusing USA/Canada waste.
Some way, I think we need to show the public in simple terms what happens to them when we don’t make changes Now. I think with many, you have to hit them over the head with education before they get it. Some never will get it, some don’t care. Let’s focus on those that we can still make a difference in their thinking.
Thank you for reading.
Sandy
This is an important reminder of the need to both center the health of the keystone species, humans; and remember that human cities are ultimately part of nature in a way that is less controlled that we might like to think.
we need to conserve our cities for a green and a healthy planet
Thank you!!