International Migratory Bird Day at Hogle Zoo

[Stacey Phillips <sphillips@hoglezoo.org>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 30, 2004

FROM: Stacey Phillips, (801) 584-1729, pager: (801) 474-8514

FESTIVITIES TAKE FLIGHT IN CELEBRATION OF=20

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY=20

AT UTAH'S HOGLE ZOO

In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, Utah's Hogle Zoo will
host a special day of family-oriented events Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m.
until 2 p.m. Activities, which will range from making a bird feeder for
your yard to "bird bingo," will raise public awareness of migratory birds
and their habitats, and inform people of how they can help with
conservation efforts.

More than ten years ago, a coalition of bird-minded organizations
recognized the need for a unified focus on the conservation of migratory
birds and in 1993 founded International Migratory Bird Day. Now in its
eleventh year, this day exalts the nearly 350 species, such as the
American white pelican, Roseate spoonbill, and Black crowned night heron
that travel between nesting habitats and non-breeding habitats each year.
This year's IMBD theme is "Conservation of Colonial Birds,"  highlighting
the estimated one in eight bird species that nest together in colonies,
and the many dangers that threaten their survival.

Colonial living has long been a successful evolutionary strategy for many
bird species, with thousands, sometimes millions of birds nesting together
and forming social and behavioral bonds. Here in Utah you'll find the one
of the largest nesting colonies of white pelicans on Gunnison Island in
the Great Salt Lake. However, with birds concentrated in a limited area,
population risks are also increased as a single threat can wipe out large
numbers within a colony. It is important to be aware of the colonial birds
living among us, and to take steps to aid in their survival.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and Partners in Flight sponsor International Migratory Bird Day.
"IMBD festivities are a great way to raise awareness and enthusiasm about
the magnificent biodiversity passing through our own backyards,"  says Syd
Butler, executive director of the AZA. "The visibility and impressiveness
of colonial birds, in particular, inspires us all to take individual
action to protect these beautiful and vulnerable creatures."  These
organizations are promoting events all over North America. For more
information, go to www.aza.org or http://birds.fws.gov/imbd/.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and
currently represents 214 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America.
AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation,
education, science, and recreation.

----

Utah's Hogle Zoo is one of only 214 accredited by the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo
or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated
to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a
better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife
conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
For more information visit www.aza.org.

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