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TESTIMONY OF THE 



AMERICAN ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION 



AND THE ALLIANCE OF MARINE MAMMAL PARKS AND AQUARIUMS 



The 162 accredited members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association ("AZA") 

 and the 3 1 members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums ("Alliance") 

 represent zoos, aquariums and scientific research facilities which further the goals and objectives 

 of marine mammal conservation through the public display of, and research regarding, marine 

 mammals. In 1992, over 115 million people visited Alliance and AZA facilities. The Alliance 

 and the AZA strongly support the Marine Mammal Protection Act ("MMPA") and appreciate 

 this opportunity to share information about our members' educational, research, and stranding 

 rescue programs and to discuss the MMPA. 



I. The Public Display and Scientific Re search Community 



Contributes to Marine Mammal Co nservation. 



A. Education . 



To the millions of people who visit our facilities, we offer an otherwise unattainable 

 learning opportunity. Millions of people walk away from our facilities with a strong and 

 determined interest in assuring that marine mammals are safe and protected in the wild. Visitors 

 learn about the importance of conservation, responsible human behavior, principles of ecology, 

 animal communication, and natural behaviors. 



Zoological parks and aquariums serve as learning centers for the 1 1 5 million people who 

 visit our facilities every year. Eight million schoolchildren visit zoos and aquariums as part of 

 their school year curriculum, and another 2 million participate in outreach programs. Thirteen 

 million adults and children take part in formal and informal education programs. Another 8-9 

 million will have the opportunity this year alone to benefit from a new and progressive 

 educational satellite television series. Using cable television one facility aired eight programs 

 during the 1992-93 school year which featured live host educators, up close footage of marine 

 mammals, interviews with marine mammal experts and the opportunity for students to ask 

 questions using a toll free number. In addition to these programs, 25,000 teachers are given in- 

 service training by zoos and aquariums each school year. 



AZA accredited zoos and aquariums also conduct international training programs for 

 zoologists and wildlife managers, support local education programs, and provide fellowships, 

 internships, and student grants. They also donate their time, materials and equipment to 

 conservation education projects in developing countries. In 1990-1991, AZA member 

 institutions initiated or supported 45 educational programs in 24 nations worldwide. 



