American Association of Zoo Keepers
New Bedford Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers
Who we are?
(AAZK) The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes zoo keeping as a profession. Its mission is to provide a resource and forum of continuing education for the animal care professional and to support zoo and aquarium personnel in their roles as caregivers, scientific researchers, public educators and conservationists.
The AAZK New Bedford Mission
To promote professionalism in zoo keeping through education and exchange of ideas. The chapter supports zoo personnel’s commitment and efforts to improve animal care, provide enrichment, participate in conservation programs, generate greater awareness of environmental issues, and foster understanding, appreciation and respect for all living things.
Chapter Activities:
2008 Photo Contest
The New Bedford Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers and Buttonwood Park Zoo are sponsoring a photo contest of animals at Buttonwood Park Zoo. The twelve winning photos will be used to create a calendar that will be sold to raise funds to support the care and enrichment of zoo animals. Photos that fit the following themes are needed: Diversity (all species including our amphibians, reptiles, and birds), Seasonal (snow, foliage, etc.), Holiday (Halloween, Valentine's Day (couple, pairs), etc.), and Sunset.
DEADLINE: The deadline for entries is August 1, 2008.
Download the submission information.
Boo @ the Zoo
The members of the AAZK Chapter volunteer their time to enhance the visitors experience with a themed haunted house.
Zoo Encounters
AAZK Zoo Encounters is a program put on by our chapter to allow participants to get up close and personal with the animals of the Buttonwood Park Zoo. Participants will be able to go behind the scenes of various animal enclosures, meet the keepers who care for them, and most importantly meet and interact with the animals. The program runs from April to November and allows up to 8 people per group. Encounters are scheduled for one day, beginning at 9 am and last for about 2 hours. The program fee is $150 for non-zoo members and $100 for zoo members. If interested in purchasing a zoo encounter, please contact us at aazknb@yahoo.com or call (508) 991-6178 ext.21.
Recycling Cell Phones/Ink Cartridges
Bring us your old cell phones and ink cartridges to help elephants! We collect used cell phones/ink cartridges to recycle and then raise money to support the International Elephant Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports and operates elephant conservation and education programs both in managed facilities and in the wild, with emphasis on management, protection and scientific research. www.elephantconservation.org These items can be dropped off at the front desk located at the entrance of the zoo between 10am-5pm daily.
Buttonwood Park Zoo Wall Calendars
Want to show off your zoo to friends and family? Buy a 2008 Zoo Calendar with fantastic photos of our animals.
Calendars can be purchased at the North Woods Gift Store located at the zoo entrance.
Conservation Initiatives Supported by AAZK New Bedford:
Elephant Care International
Fosters and delivers healthcare for elephants and promote the harmony and well being of humans and elephants where they share natural environments. www.elephantcare.org
Cape Cod Stranding Network
Provides rapid response, assessment and humane care for stranded marine mammals; to effect appropriate release, and to conduct research and education in order to reduce suffering and prevent avoidable deaths.www.capecodstranding.net
Local Contributions
We have also contributed to local charities, such as college scholarships and supporting families with cancer. Last year we had enough funding to buy a portable weight scale. This scale allows us to monitor the weights of all our animals without causing too much physiological stress on them.
