note also the line at the bottom about a dolphin calf being born at Seaworld Theme park handler to track tigers - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
It is really nice that staff from the zoo get some real life experience off in situ conservation by joining field staff in Sumatera.
I think Tiger Island should be commended for their continued commitment to in-situ tiger conservation. Makes a change for a facility to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, with regards to supporting in-situ.
Dreamworld has done loads for in-situ conservation and with regards to tigers more than most. I would just like to say that alot of the in-situ work done by zoos is done outside the public eye.
There are a number of zoos that do commit themselves to in-situ efforts and they should make sure that the media and their public base know about it. It drives additional dollars available for in-situ projects. There though are many institutions that "hang" their hats on just having Sumatran program animals with nothing going in-situ. Everyone is aware that the only real chance for tigers going forward is to spend the resources on projects in range countries.
Why "outside the public eye"? I can understand the breeding of sensitive species, but generally this statement makes no sense to me when conservation and education go hand in hand with one another. On the contrary, many of the "bigger" zoos make sure they get maximum media mileage and exposure for their small contribution to in-situ conservation! Or sit back and rely on the dedication and commitment of some of their keepers and use that as an example of the zoo's commitment to supporting in-situ.
