Latest news with #SavingAnimalsfromExtinction
Cision Canada
16-06-2025
- Science
- Cision Canada
THE BAHAMAS TAKES AGGRESSIVE STEPS TO COMBAT CORAL REEF CRISIS
-- The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a cornerstone of the country's national commitment to coral conservation and marine resilience -- -- The Bahamas' first coral gene bank to preserve DNA, propagate and replant coral to reverse devastation from rising ocean temperatures and a rapidly spreading disease -- PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Bahamas has launched an aggressive national conservation initiative to address and reverse the devastating effects of warming ocean temperatures and a disease ravaging its coral reefs. The country's first coral gene bank opened today at Atlantis Paradise Island to house, propagate, and replant healthy coral on damaged reefs. The coral rescue initiative is the result of a powerful collaboration between the government of The Bahamas through the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). "Today's opening marks a major milestone and also represents just the beginning," said Atlantis Blue Project Foundation Executive Director Debra Erickson. "The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is more than a facility—it is a symbol of hope, a safeguard for biodiversity, and a strategic investment in long-term reef resilience. It not only strengthens national conservation capacity but also inspires young Bahamians to take on leadership roles in the stewardship of our natural resources." The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island can accommodate up to 200 large, mature coral colonies, in addition to smaller fragments and juvenile corals. Fifteen coral species have been relocated to the Atlantis Paradise Island-based biosecure Gene Bank research facility. Coral fragments collected from the ocean are placed in pristine, on-site aquaria, and once stable, they grow and reproduce quickly with the aid of innovative reproduction techniques such as lunar-cycle simulations. Part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' global Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, onsite management of the new bank is led by PIMS experts, including a former BAMSI graduate and student interns from BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, with support from marine-life experts at Atlantis. "Coral has become increasingly endangered over the years, but the introduction of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease completely changed the game and created extreme urgency to act," said PIMS Executive Director Dr. Craig Dahlgren. "Transmitted among corals through direct contact and water circulation, the disease has spread to all major Bahamian islands and causes a high death rate in corals. Treatments are emerging slowly, but corals need to be rescued and isolated from the disease while these methods are perfected. Our collective vision is not only to preserve coral currently under threat, but also to foster new generations of corals that, when replanted, are more resilient to disease and other dangers. Longstanding support from our partners over the past decade, including vital contributions that helped establish The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island, has been essential in making this national effort possible." The Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a pioneering initiative to ensure that no coral species in The Bahamas is lost due to disease, bleaching, or other environmental stressors. Addendum: Coral Conservation in The Bahamas The Bahamas is home to some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. These include one of Earth's largest barrier reefs—located off Andros Island—and extensive fringing reefs surrounding most of the nation's 700 islands and 2,400 cays. These vibrant ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, and shoreline protection, but they are under increasing threat. Two of the most serious challenges facing Bahamian reefs today are Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. In some areas, water temperatures now regularly exceed 31°C (88°F) during the summer months. These stressors are causing unprecedented coral mortality, pushing several Bahamian coral species to the brink of extinction, while many others are now classified as threatened or endangered. Without immediate action—such as the Coral Gene Bank—we may lose iconic species like pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) from The Bahamas within the next 5–10 years. Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation are proud to partner with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a leader in studying and addressing the spread of SCTLD across The Bahamas and in advancing efforts to protect these critical marine ecosystems. Coral Bio-Banking Corals in land-based facilities such as The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island receive regular health checks, strict water quality control, and isolation from disease exposure. These "corals in waiting" serve as a living library to preserve biodiversity and support future reef restoration. Live corals are collected from the wild and placed under expert care, where Marine Animal Care Specialists monitor their health, manage water quality, and isolate them from potential harm. These corals represent the genetic diversity needed for future reef recovery. Coral Reproduction In The Bahamas, coral reproduction is supported both sexually and asexually. Assisted sexual reproduction in laboratories helps produce genetically diverse coral offspring, as researchers encourage spawning by mimicking natural cues. Microfragmentation is used to stimulate rapid growth by cutting corals into small pieces that rapidly fuse and expand. These techniques make it possible to rebuild reefs with healthy, resilient corals. Coral Protection Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), coral nurseries, and targeted reef monitoring programs are helping protect threatened coral species across The Bahamas. By reducing damage from anchors, overfishing, and pollution, these protections create safer habitats where coral communities can recover and thrive. Coral Restoration Restoration projects across The Bahamas reintroduce nursery-grown or lab-reared corals to damaged reefs. Programs like PIMS's Reef Rescue Network—which includes sites at Atlantis—are scaling up these efforts, rebuilding reef structure, enhancing biodiversity, and giving hope for long-term reef recovery. What Is a Coral Reef? Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built by tiny marine animals called corals, which live in colonies and create limestone skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons accumulate to form vast reef structures that support a kaleidoscope of life. Corals are closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones, and they rely on warm, clear, sunlit waters to survive. Their reef structures provide shelter for over 25% of all marine life, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They also buffer shorelines from storms and erosion, and support sustainable tourism and fishing in The Bahamas. Help protect coral reefs by being a responsible visitor: refrain from touching or standing on coral, avoid handling marine life, and never remove reef pieces or shells. Always follow local marine park rules—they're designed to keep these fragile ecosystems healthy. Together, our actions can safeguard reefs for future generations.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blank Park Zoo breaks ground on roaring new lion conservation center
DES MOINES, Iowa — In April 2024, the Blank Park Zoo announced plans for the largest renovation project in its 60-year history, and on Tuesday morning, zoo leaders broke ground on phase one. The new lion conservation center will triple the space for the zoo's lions, while adding a trio of viewing experiences for guests, and even an immersive VIP viewing area. The exhibit is the first addition of the zoo's ongoing 'Expand the Impact' capital campaign an $18 million renovation project aimed at enhancing animal and guest experiences and conservation efforts. Quarry Springs Park in Colfax adds 40 new RV sites 'We're a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and so those are partners that we have throughout the United States that partner with not only best practices for animal management, but also for conservation programming. And so we're excited to be a part of this network. This new space will allow us to become one of the leaders in lion conservation. So, our work will be done, not only here in the United States, but we also work with the African Lion Safe Program, which stands for Saving Animals from Extinction. And that'll be, our work will extend internationally into the wild as well,' said Anne Shimerdla, President and CEO of the Blank Park Zoo. Leaders with the zoo say once the lions are moved into this new area, their existing exhibit will be used to expand the tiger area. The zoo says they're hoping for the new lion conservation center to be open to the public beginning late spring/early summer of 2026. Metro News: Blank Park Zoo breaks ground on roaring new lion conservation center Juvenile assaulted at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines MercyOne releases statement about split with Medical Center Anesthesiologists Exile Brewing Company wins gold at world beer competition Some metro trails closed because of flash flooding Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Four bison arrive at Somerset conservation center
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium's International Conservation Center in Somerset announced they have four new additions. They welcomed one of North America's most iconic species. Four American Bison, one male and three females, arrived at the ICC in December. They were each born this past summer and are roughly eight months old. They come to the zoo through a partnership with a prairie-based nature reserve in Central Montana, called American Prairie. Both the zoo and the nature reserve are part of the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program which hopes to merge resources of facilities across North America to recover bison and restore their native habitat. Breast cancer survivors honored at annual Pink Zone Game 'This is the beginning of an exciting breeding and reintroduction program that will repatriate bison to indigenous territories across the United States,' ICC Director Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi said. 'The herd will also provide training opportunities for animal care managers across zoological institutions and our Native American partners.' Bison, which are more commonly referred to as buffalos, are the official mammal of the United States and the largest land animal in North America. Due to hunting and habitat loss, their population dwindled and just over a thousand were believed to be left at the turn of the 20th century. Today the population is listed as 'near threatened,' and through preservation efforts is being slowly reintroduced to the wild. At the ICC, the bison will serve as ambassadors for their species, helping visitors understand the vital role they play in the ecosystem as a keystone species and the importance of preserving their natural habitats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
