One Step Forward, One Step Back

Despite their collections of animals from around the world, zoos and aquariums can often make their biggest conservation impact by acting locally.  This can pose a special challenge because many zoos and aquariums are located in highly developed urban areas, where there isn't much natural landscaping left.  Still, with some perseverance and creative thinking life, as Dr. Ian Malcolm liked to say in Jurassic Park, finds a way.  

There are all sorts of great stories out there about zoos helping to restore native ecosystems.  In Baltimore, this was driven home earlier this year when the National Aquarium unveiled its new floating wetland habitat in the City's Inner Harbor.  River otters have already been seen frolicking in the restored habitat.

Of course, for conservation efforts to be a success, it helps if everyone is on the same page, mission-wise.  This was (exasperatingly) driven home in northwestern Ohio this week, where the Toledo Zoo had painstakingly restored a highway median to be a wildflower garden and wildlife habitat, providing crucial habitat and sustenance for butterflies, bees, birds, and other native species.  Then someone complained that it looked unsightly and, without even consulting the zoo, it was mowed down.

One step forward, one step back.

You'd think the sign would have given them a clue...