May 19, 2010
Celebrate Endangered Species Day with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Minnesota Zoo
In celebration of Endangered Species Day 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host an interactive display at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22. Service staff will be on hand to present information, host activities and answer questions about threatened and endangered species. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm.
The display will be located between the entrances to the Tropics Trail and the Minnesota Trail. Visitors will find information on what they can do to protect our environment, and on Minnesota’s fascinating imperiled species. Also offered will be activities for preschool and school-age children, including a zoo scavenger hunt, endangered species stickers and temporary tattoos and posters.
In 2005, the U.S. Senate designated the third Friday in May as Endangered Species Day. Across the country, resource agencies, zoos, schools and other groups use Endangered Species Day to highlight conservation projects that help not only imperiled species, but habitats and ecosystems. From stream improvements to prairie restoration, from whooping cranes to darters, since 1973, the Endangered Species Act has helped restore the natural landscape of the Midwest. Co-administered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the ESA is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
“The Endangered Species Act is the nation’s premier law protecting biodiversity today,” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. “The bald eagle, American alligator and gray wolf are all species which once found themselves on the list, facing the brink of extinction, but have successfully rebounded. The wood stork, Kirtland’s warbler, Louisiana black bear and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle are still listed species that are showing good progress towards achieving recovery – the ultimate goal of the ESA. These species and many others continue to benefit from the protections afforded by the ESA and the dedicated people who work through the Act to ensure their continued existence.”
There are currently 1,324 species federally listed as endangered or threatened in the U.S.: 750 plants and 574 animals. To find out what endangered species are near you, and how you can help, please visit www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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