World Wisdom: Conservation

Summer is right around the corner, and a trip to the zoo is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. A place where you can see all your favorite animals. But imagine a world where your favorite animals begin to disappear one by one. No zebras. No pandas. Imagine the impact on our future generations. Preventing extinction is possible and is happening thanks to an organization committed to connecting people to wildlife and conservation on both a national and global level. On behalf of San Diego Zoo Global I had a chance to interview Zookeeper Rick Schwartz to learn more about wildlife conservation and what we can do to help.

1.    What attracted you to  be a zookeeper in the first place?
Since I can remember, I have always gravitated towards spending time with animals and learning more about them. As a child I had no idea you could have a career as a zookeeper, but as I grew, I found out that you could actually have a career working with animals. Albeit the pay isn't much as most zoos are non-profit, but the work is very rewarding.  With my love for animals I have learned about the need for conservation as well, and have become more and more passionate about doing everything I can to help save the many amazing species around the world. Being a zookeeper allows me to work for an organization (San Diego Zoo Global) that not only educates the public about wildlife, but also does actual "boots on the ground" conservation work around the world that makes a difference.  And for me, that is very important.

2.    What does the San Diego Zoo do locally to raise awareness of issues facing wildlife?
On a local level San Diego Zoo Global works with many organization for habitat restoration and local species conservation. We  have many outreach programs that go into our local community to help educate kids & adults alike about what is happening right here  in San Diego County and what each person can do to help with conservation, locally & globally.

3.    How does the San Diego Zoo reach out into the larger world community?
San Diego Zoo Global reaches out to the global community by partnering with other organization around the world for conservation. We have conservation partners in Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. And we have even spearheaded several conservation programs that also reach out to the local communities to insure a better understanding of local cultures and allow the local residence to have better understanding to what the conservation efforts are for.  Partnerships in conservation aren't just with other organizations and scientists, but also with indigenous people as well. 

4.    What are some things we can do to help preserve endangered species?
There are many things you can do in your own community to help protect endangered species.  The challenge is, we don't always get to see the results of our efforts right away.  But here are a few ideas. Recycle! It's true and not just a cliche. Recycling aluminum and other metals like some of the metals found in electronics not only reduces waste, but it also limits the demand we put on the environments where those metals are mined.  Many countries where these metals are mined do not have the needed regulations in place to help protect the habitats while the mining occurs. By recycling you use what is already taken and minimize the impact on wildlife.  Also a big one is, we don't see the direct effects of, energy conservation and water conservation.  The great thing about cutting back our energy and water use, it also saves us money!  Sure it may only be a few dollars here and there, but over the course of a year you & your family could save a few hundred dollars!