The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been ramping up its conservation projects over the past several years. One of the more unique efforts has been developed from the interest and passion of the zoo's Mammal Curator, Craig Miller.
Two years, ago, a meeting between Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the zoo's animal dept was held to float the idea of a zoo based team of volunteers for helping with manatee, whale, dolphin and other related incidents.
The idea was accepted with enthusiasm because the state had few volunteers, and there were times when the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Marine Mammal Research Program officials were strapped for manpower. Most importantly, they appreciated the thought of a group of people who already had a basic knowledge of animal capture (how to be safe!), animal transport, and animal biology.
With training, the zoo's Marine Mammal team quickly showed its ability to identify species, collect data on deceased animals, and transport critically ill or injured animals to the captive rehabilitation centers. The zoo now has a permanent team of 40 staff -- all full-time employees, from different departments, although the majority are zookeepers.
The arrangement between the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the FWC is a win-win situation. Zoo volunteers have been able to participate in training and research field trips all over the state, as a "perk" to their jobs. There is so much passion for the project that most of the volunteers do their work on their days off, although sometimes employees are allowed to take time during the work day.
The first photograph shows four zoo staff in their project T-shirts on a FCW manatee research boat and the second is of the successful netting of a juvenile manatee. Staff volunteers love that they are making a direct, hands-on contribution to conservation and meanwhile, collaboration with the state officials continues to evolve.
Photos by Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens/FWC
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