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B. R esearch- 



Research is also an essential element of the program at zoos and marine mammal parks 

 and aquariums. Much of what is known about marine mammal biology, physiology, 

 reproduction and behavior results from scientific research conducted by public display facilities. 



Generally, research by Alliance and AZA members falls into two categories -- onsite 

 projects and field research. 



On-site projects are often aimed at improving animal husbandry knowledge including 

 health information, diet and reproductive biology. This type of research continues to assure that 

 our marine mammals are housed in the best-designed habitats. 



Captive breeding programs are also implemented at AZA and Alliance facilities as part of 

 a more holistic effort to preserve species in their natural habitats. Conservation of the world's 

 wildlife and its habitat is the highest priority of AZA. The association's conservation activities 

 were initiated with the development of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) in 1981 . The SSP now 

 manages cooperative breeding programs for 64 species. The Marine Mammal Taxon Advisory 

 Group (TAG) was recently formed to prioritize marine mammal species for captive propagation 

 and recommend species for which new studbooks and SSPs should be developed. 



The Marine Mammal TAG is composed of a diverse group of experts including 

 representatives from other conservation organizations, field biologists and zoological 

 professionals. This insures that the best informed recommendations on captive propagation 

 management will be made. The designation of priority species for captive breeding is based on 

 captive population size, available space for propagation, breeding success, status in the wild, 

 genetic viability of the captive population, and ultimately, the long range outlook for enhancing 

 or reestablishing native populations in the wild. 



The second category of research is field research. Findings are presented at professional 

 meetings and then published in scientific journals. In this way, our research benefits 

 government, environmental and conservation groups throughout the world. 



In the past five years, Alliance and AZA members have spent over $20 million on marine 

 mammal research. Over the past 25 years, our members have published over 1 ,600 research 

 studies and presented the results to professional organizations and conferences. 



Document "5213 



