When I think about what it is to be an endangered species (to be in danger of extinction) it brings thoughts to my mind of a variety of animals; black footed ferrets, whooping cranes, Wyoming toads, even shire horses.
Some animals have been brought back from the brink of extinction and are listed as threatened (any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future); grizzly bears, Canada lynx, the bald eagle, and eastern gray wolves to name a few. There are those animals that need to be listed as endangered or at least threatened, for instance, wolverines and polar bears. Some creatures that have difficulties because of loss of “critical habitat”(the specific areas within a geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed on which are found those physical or biological features essential to conserve the species and that may require special management considerations or protection); piping plovers and bull trout to mention just a couple. Then, of course, the ones that are already extinct like the dodo bird. Who could possibly even imagine the animals in the ravished rain forests that we will never even know about because they went extinct without our knowledge of them in the first place. Need I mention the plant population? The overpowering prospect is that without proper management, conservation efforts, public awareness, and education this will all lead to one main factor….Homo Sapiens, which in Latin means wise man or knowing man, will not make the endangered or threatened list because we will be extinct. If we truly want to see a future for this beautiful planet we all have to pull together and make a major effort at caring and doing to preserve nature. Support our local zoo by becoming a member and learn different things you can do as an individual. Recycle whatever you can, walk or ride a bicycle when it’s possible. Mostly make a conscious effort to become aware of our valuable resources and learn how to conserve. Respect our planet, it’s the only home we have.
By Deborah Harris, Senior Keeper
