On Endangered Species Day, May 21st this year, the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research celebrated by launching its new initiative, “10 Reasons for Hope.”

The 10 Reasons for Hope are success stories, worth celebrating as they brighten the landscape for endangered animals.  Both wild and captive populations have benefitted from the Zoo’s efforts, from Kangaroo Rats and California Condors in the Zoo’s backyard to the Ebo Forest in Central Africa.

Kangaroo Rats, reputed to have such efficient kidneys that they never have to drink, are enjoying their sixth generation managed by the Zoo.  They live in the native bunch grass and chaparral habitat the animals need for food and cover, in southern California.  Diminutive may be a good description for them, however they play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to distribute seeds.

The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park produced the first condor chick from among the 22 birds that the population had been reduced to 20 years ago.  Today there are 180 condors in the wild and 169 in breeding centers.

San Diego Zoo’s Native Seed Bank has collected and stored almost 23% of the area’s native plant species, which will help preserve the area’s 1,500 native plant species, the most endangered of any county in the continental United States.

Internationally, the Zoo is successfully managing projects that are helping to research endangered primates and upgrade the Ebo Forest in northern central Africa to a national park.

They are also helping restore Giant Panda, frog, and elephant populations.  As well, they are helping to connect American children to nature, rather than letting the trend continue unabated of children spending most of their time inertly parked in front of an indoor computer.

Great photos and details of the 10 Reasons for Hope are on the San Diego Zoo’s website.

I remember several years ago looking at the animals roaming the savannah at the San Diego Wild Animal Park  and thinking I was in Africa.  Even a wildlife researcher who was on the tour said it was realistic.   This 1,800 acre wildlife preserve is home to over 3,500 animals from 260 species, and is also a botanical garden.  If you’d like to learn and view the animals at night, the Park offers a Roar and Snore Sleepover.

I was only about seven years old when my family visited The Living Desert in Palm Desert, California, but it made such an impression on me that I still remember seeing some of the animals.   Dedicated to life in the deserts of Africa and North America, The Living Desert is committed to wildlife conservation and increasing the number of slender-horned gazelles, sand cats, addaxes, and Arabian oryx, as well as other species, in our world.  Desert species often have comparatively small populations due to the severe environment, and thus are more vulnerable to human activity than forest species.

Wildlife tours through national parks usually include enough sightings to keep passengers happy.  While Denali National Park in Alaska has a wonderful assortment of moose, bears, caribous, foxes, dall sheep, and other animals, national parks such as Yellowstone are also home to a variety of animals.  Both are best on trips of at least several days.

The Florida Everglades and the Louisiana swamps both offer tours.  Manatees have recently been in the news, pictured huddling in warm springs to try to fend off the cold.  If you’re going, look for tour operators who support The International Ecotourism Society’s policy of responsible travel that respects the local environment.  That includes keeping a safe distance from manatees.

As well, if you go whale watching off the coast of California, Washington or British Columbia (Canada), look for responsible operators who respect the whales and avoid disrupting them.  California Grey Whale watching season tends to be in December and April, and I’ve seen Humpback Whales off the California coast in September.  Farther North, the Orca Whale watching season in British Columbia tends to be in the summer, perhaps because that’s when the weather is most favorable.  Doing more research will uncover more whale watching opportunities for you.

If you’re looking for a whole world experience, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be the place to visit.  You can see over 1,700 animals from 250 species on 500 acres.  That’s one of the four Florida Disney parks, and the other three are fun for non-animal reasons.

There are other notable wildlife parks and tours, but I can’t include them all!  If you have a favorite that didn’t make it onto this list, feel free to add a comment about it.

By the way, someone recently asked if I benefit from any organizations I mention on this blog.  No, I don’t receive any compensation or products from any organization.  This is a volunteer effort, with the only benefit to me being the satisfaction of helping you and our world.  I hope you’re enjoying it!