Zoo News Blog: Exploring the Biodiversity of Wetlands
The Houston Zoo‘s Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands exhibit turns four this May. This self-sustaining ecosystem has been a big hit with local wildlife, recording over 150 animal species! From saltwater and freshwater marshes to peat bogs, prairie potholes and vernal pools, each type of wetland habitat is bustling with an abundance of plant and animal life. The species assemblage associated with each habitat type or location can vary greatly, with some organisms being rare and perhaps found nowhere else. The wetland habitat is also a popular stop for migratory species, like yellow-rumped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets and white-throated sparrows. The most unexpected sighting so far was a purple gallinule.
Wetlands are an Important Habitat
Wetlands are one of the most productive and important habitats on the planet, providing food and shelter for countless species, mitigating flooding, and purifying stormwater runoff. Unfortunately, 90% of wetlands around the world have suffered degradation of some kind or have disappeared altogether. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, this year’s theme is wetland restoration as the animals and plants that depend on wetlands are counting on us to help. Here are a few ways you can get help make a difference:
- Go visit a local wetland habitat
- Volunteer with a wetland restoration group
- Work with your community to turn a retention pond into a wetland habitat
- Make a wetland habitat of your own
Wetland areas are crucial for wildlife, but also a place for us to reconnect with nature and ponder how we fit into the scheme of things, and—perhaps most importantly—how we can protect, restore, and nurture the health of the planet. Stop by our Texas Wetlands exhibit the next time you visit the Zoo.
Houston Zoo Celebrates World Wetlands Day
The Houston Zoo is celebrating World Wetlands Day on February 2nd with a series of educational activities and events. World Wetlands Day is an international event that was established by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and to promote their conservation. The Houston Zoo is committed to protecting and preserving wetlands around the world and is celebrating World Wetlands Day to further spread the message about the importance of wetlands.
Educational Activities
The Houston Zoo will be hosting a series of educational activities and events to celebrate World Wetlands Day. These activities and events are designed to educate visitors about the importance of wetlands and how they can help protect them. The activities will include interactive displays, educational talks, and hands-on activities that will help visitors learn more about wetlands.
Conservation Efforts
The Houston Zoo is committed to protecting and preserving wetlands around the world. The zoo is involved in a number of conservation efforts, including the protection of wetland habitats, the restoration of wetlands, and the reintroduction of species that have become endangered due to wetland destruction. The Houston Zoo also works with local communities to educate them about the importance of wetlands and to help them develop sustainable practices that will help protect and restore wetlands.
Get Involved
The Houston Zoo encourages visitors to get involved in the conservation of wetlands. Visitors can learn more about wetland conservation efforts by visiting the zoo’s website or by attending one of the educational events on World Wetlands Day. Visitors can also support the zoo’s conservation efforts by donating to the zoo’s conservation fund or by volunteering their time to help with wetland conservation projects.
Conclusion
The Houston Zoo is celebrating World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and to promote their conservation. The zoo is hosting a series of educational activities and events to help educate people about wetlands and how they can help protect them. The Houston Zoo is also committed to protecting and preserving wetlands around the world and encourages visitors to get involved in the conservation of wetlands.
