A remarkable amount of science happens in zoos and aquariums -- much of it right in front of peoples' eyes. Zoo and aquarium practice itself is science-based, and the zoo world is one where research findings are converted to practice surprisingly fast.
Many zoos offer opportunities for visitors to have up-close encounters with ambassador animals. These encounters...
Food abundance, delivery schedules, and other external factors affect animal behavior in zoos, especially...
A remarkable amount of science happens in zoos and aquariums – much of it right in front of peoples’ eyes. In 2017, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums participated in nearly 1,300 different research projects, studying more than 450 species and subspecies. These projects resulted in more than 170 peer-reviewed publications, articles, and reports. Zoo and aquarium practice itself is science-based, and this world is one where research findings are converted to practice surprisingly fast. Many of these results can be found in Zoo Biology.
Zoo and aquarium science occurs in an open forum, where people can be easily engaged in the process and results, and converts to changes in management or animal care rapidly. Zoo and aquarium science tries to answer big picture questions often with limited resources, with goals as wide-ranging as bolstering endangered populations and understanding why species struggle to reproduce in the wild.
In collaboration with Experiment, the AZA Research and Technology Committee and Zoo Biology are calling for proposals for zoo and aquarium research grant challenge. Projects need to meet the AZA Research Priorities for mission-focused research.
Mission-focused research includes any project undertaken by or at an AZA-accredited institution or certified related facility that:
We will review proposals and plan to launch qualifying projects in the second week of January. Projects will have 30 days to fund-raise for set “all or nothing” goals. After three weeks of campaigning, the projects with the most backers will receive a bonus amount donated to their campaigns on top of their raised funds, runner-up campaigns will also receive additional funds. The AZA Research and Technology Committee will review all campaigns to make sure they meet their criteria, and will have final say over campaigns that join the challenge.
What to expect:
Learn more about the 2017 AZA research highlights here.
This challenge is generously sponsored by the Wiley journal, Zoo Biology, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.