The Mesoamerican Reef is an ancient treasure – dating back 225 million years – that provides a unique and valuable service to plant and animal species living along its shore.  Its many benefits extend from central Mexico down through Central America. The second longest barrier reef in the world, the reef serves as a natural barrier to storms and hurricanes - and is critical to the survival of the more than 65 species of coral and 500 species of fish that call it home.

December 10, 2011 was planting day for the campers at Busch Gardens Tampa. For the last three years, as part of the park’s summer camp program, campers have been helping raise hundreds of their own salt marsh plants, all species native to the Tampa Bay estuary.

Although they’re young, the first graders at the Cahoon Elementary Magnet School of Animal Science are no strangers to the conservation issues that threaten our world.  Through a partnership with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, these students have been learning about the modern-day challenges effecting walrus populations.  To shed some light on the subject, students were treated to a visit from renowned Marine Mammal Specialist

When you think of the Arctic, you can’t help but think of the magnificent polar bear.  While this unique animal has long captured the hearts of the public, its plight is now capturing the attention of scientists.  A growing body of evidence shows that the Arctic ice is vanishing much faster than previously expected – placing the iconic polar bear at risk.

The orangutan is a highly intelligent member of the Great Apes – but this brightly colored animal rarely gets the respect it deserves – a fact that has left the species threatened with extinction in both Sumatra and Borneo.  Public perception of the orangutan in that area is either that of an animal of little consequence, a pest responsible for agricultural damages, or simply a cute little ape that can be kept as a pet for entertainment.

They say that the dog is man’s best friend – but one type of dog may become a thing of the past without a little help.The African wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered species, and one of the great conservation challenges for the 21st Century.

Did you know a whale shark can give birth to 300 shark pups in one litter?  Although this may sound impressive, it isn’t enough to make up for the 20 million sharks and rays that are killed in the Gulf of California each year - and recent studies suggest that our friends from the deep may need some help if their species is to survive. 

The snow leopard is a magnificent, large cat found throughout the higher reaches of the Himalayas. These athletic animals have been known to leap as far as 50 feet - and take down an animal three times their weight. Yet these capable cats have been fighting a battle that’s hard to win – the race against extinction.

It’s estimated that there are only 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards left in the world. In India, snow leopards still roam throughout the northernmost portions of the country, and a new project plans to keep it that way.