Advocacy in action

Welcome back to another Conservation Blog! This year, we’re sharing the stories of team members going beyond Zoo grounds to support conservation efforts around the world. Sometimes that means hiking through forests to track tamarins, wading into marshes to release terrapins, or trekking across the desert to study sidewinders. Other times, it means meeting to discuss population genetics, presenting to peers at a professional conference, or meeting with elected officials. This month, rather than highlighting a specific project or partner, we want to shed some light on how Zoo Atlanta and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) advocate for the broader concept of conservation through legal and community affairs. 

The first federal law protecting wildlife, the Lacey Act, wasn’t passed by Congress until 1900, but state and local laws regulating interactions with wildlife date back much farther. These regulations range from prohibiting harassment of wild animals to restricting interstate movement of species. While their functions are diverse, their origins have something important in common; they exist because people recognized the value of wildlife and advocated for its protection. 

Just as protections for wildlife exist on many levels, from local ordinances to international agreements, there are opportunities for individuals and organizations to act as advocates for wildlife at different levels. As a member of both AZA, which operates in North America, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Zoo Atlanta supports advocacy for wildlife at all levels. 

Zoo team members serve on a variety of committees within the AZA, including the Government Affairs Committee. This committee represents the interests of AZA before the U.S. Congress and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research, education initiatives, and the public display of wildlife. By fostering effective partnership opportunities, they protect the industry’s ability to engage in impactful conservation initiatives. 

Later this month, you’ll hear from our Senior Vice President of Government and Community Affairs about his experience serving on the AZA Government Affairs Committee and participating in their annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. In the meantime, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in wildlife advocacy yourself. 

If you’re a long-term follower of the Zoo, you may recall a blog from a couple of years ago about the variable laws which regulate wildlife and the institutions that enforce them. You can also check out  AZA’s Legislative Education Center for more resources.  

Sarah Hamilton
Interpretive Engagement Specialist